To Do: Be Kind
Since my retirement in June, my daughter and I have been trying new coffee shops each Wednesday morning. It has been a great opportunity for conversation and adventure -- new spaces and flavors.
This morning, as we were waiting to place our order at a busy cafe, I glanced around and took note of the people working, eating, coming, and going. It was a diverse group, but people were smiling, visiting, opening doors for one another, nodding, and displaying behaviors that we should all expect in society. In short, the staff and patrons were being kind and respectful.
It got me thinking that this is likely the case, more often than not. In spite of our challenges, I do believe there is inherent good in people and I like to assume the best, until I am given good reason to expect less. I hope others do the same for me.
However, there is something different about these in-person, face to face interactions, than those that occur online or in our own minds. Many of us have simmered so long in anger and discontent that we are now steeping in our own malaise. We baste ourselves in disheartening news and toxic social media, waiting for someone to fix the world. Fix our society. Fix us. Our hope is in a politician, a celebrity, the city council, or our local sports team -- “If only they would…” Waiting and hoping for change, for improvement, for anything positive. We become irritated (or angry) with all of the things someone else is, or isn’t doing. No wonder we sometimes find ourselves frustrated and miserable. These are all things we cannot control.
Don't get me wrong. There is more than enough prejudice, hate and vitriol in our world to cause a rise in temper. There are people with ill intent, greed, and self-interest who are capable of harming others and society. I am not suggesting ignorant bliss, or disregard for injustice. However, venting on social media, waiting for an election, watching the news all day, or hoping "someone" does something about the world's problems is likely an endeavor that will not bear fruit.
As a small step in the right direction, I would propose a revolution of individual action. Instead of waiting for “someone else” to repair our damaged world, we should each do something. Perhaps, start with something simple that we are able to control. For example, put an item on your task list for today that when completed will make the world a better place. Buy coffee for a friend. Text an encouraging note to a family member. Make a donation to a food bank. Volunteer at a school. Smile at everyone you meet. Acknowledge the clerk at the convenience store. Do something today that helps tip the scales of the universe toward justice and decency. Let's all bank some positive contributions as an investment toward a world in which we want to live. As a former educator and school administrator, I know that small wins can add up.
Henri Nouwen is credited with the following quote that can be a guide for acts of subversive kindness:
Did I offer peace today?
Did I bring a smile to someone's face?
Did I say words of healing?
Did I let go of my anger and resentment?
Did I forgive?
Did I love?
These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.
Now, don’t just sit there. Go change the world :)