Spread a little kindness

VBeware of the sneezer. Wash your hands frequently. Get your flue shot. Stay out of a draft. Various unwanted viruses are assaulting us this time of the year.

Indeed, influenza is contagious. However, there is something more powerful than any germ and it is just as contagious. It’s kindness. Acts of kindness not only brighten someone else’s day but strengthens our own. Besides the practical prevention schemes, medical science assures us that adopting a kindness lifestyle improves our immune system and is a critical component of mental health.

Joe was having lunch with a friend in the food court of a local mall. Accidentally, he knocked his fruit drink off the table sending shattered glass everywhere. While he was attempting to clean up the mess, a stranger walked over to him, smiled and said, “it happens to the best of us.” He then handed him another bottle of juice and walked away.

A few weeks later in another fast food court, a little girl repeated the performance. Joe knew instinctively how the little child must feel. Thus, he came to her rescue by purchasing another drink for her.

In both incidents, Joe relates how he sensed a surge of energy and wellness in his body. Today, he looks for opportunities to practice a kind deed everyday.

Acts of kindness comes in all forms from visiting a sick friend, being tolerant, lending a hand, sharing a smile, changing someone’s tire, or shoveling a neighbor’s driveway.

Although, I was only six years old at the time, I have never forgotten the kindness of a school custodian. During one lunch hour he noticed me crying. Walking over he inquired, “why the tears”.

I explained how I didn’t like the meat paste sandwich my mother had packed for me.

“Do you like cheese?” he asked.

After replying yes, he quickly said, “well let’s trade. I have cheese.”

During this frenzied season of Christmas preparations, instead of fearing those nasty contagious germs, perhaps we can do our own kind of spreading by practicing kindness. 

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