Karla’s Korner: Try A Little Kindness

Try A Little Kindness…

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “Life is short, but there is always time enough for courtesy.” British author and Baptist preacher John Bunyan is quoted as saying “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” This quote has been one of my favorites for a long time and ironically Bunyan died on this day (August 31) in 1688. While the message originated over 300 years ago the sentiment remains the same; kindness matters.

This week as my husband and I stood in line at a local deli waiting our turn to order the lady in front of us dropped her menu while trying to place her order and juggle a small child in her arms. As he picked up the menu and placed it back in it’s proper place the lady thanked him and placed her order. Before she walked away she turned to him again and expressed how much she appreciated his kindness. At first I thought it was overkill in thanking him twice but then I wondered how often do people just walk past in a situation like that and let her fend for herself?

Country singer Glenn Campbell released his hit song “Try a Little Kindness” in October 1969 (I was two) and nearly 46 years later the message still rings relevant:

“You’ve got to try a little kindness, yes show a little kindness
Yes, shine your light for everyone to see
And if you’ll try a little kindness and you’ll overlook the blindness
of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets.”

With our lives busier than ever before we often think that there’s no time to extend great kindnesses to others. We tend to believe that acts of kindness are on a grand scale. In reality it’s the little things that when done for others makes a big impact. Sometimes just offering to carry a meal to the table for a parent whose hands are filled with active toddlers is a great gift of kindness and takes a mere few minutes. Holding the door open for someone entering the building you are exiting, taking time to visit a friend or elderly person who is unable to get out, extending a helping hand to someone in need, writing a note or sending a card to a long distance friend are just a few examples of extending a little bit of kindness to those around us. I believe that we are all put on this earth for a purpose. My faith teaches me that part of my purpose is not only to serve my God, but serve others, love others and work for the common good of my neighbor. How wonderful would it be to know that at the end of the day you did something that benefitted another human being and you did it because you wanted to not because as Bunyan says when they could never repay you?

Children learn by example. If we live our lives in haste not taking time out to share bits of kindness and care, our children will grow up without knowing how to be polite and kind to others. Our world will continue to spin and within it will be a whole generation of people missing out on what I believe is essential to the survival of the human spirit; kindness.

A lover of words, I often search for meaningful quotes and store them in an ever increasing large file on my computer. I enjoy reading others perspectives and find inspiration for my writing. Mother Teresa “penned” some of my favorite quotes on kindness, generosity, faith and love. She says “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Another Mother Teresa favorite is “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”

This week as you travel down your road of life, take a minute to reflect on the people in your world and how you can give just a bit of yourself to them. Knowing that you have the ability to affect another person’s life in a positive way is nothing short of amazing. As Leo Buscaglia states “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Be well. Be blessed. Be kind….it’s the good stuff life is about.

Peace,
Karla

Read our list of 100 things you can do to help others for FREE

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner, also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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