Themed Weekend: Intentional Acts of Kindness

crowd of people by will hybridWhat am I to do? I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good work, therefore, any kindness, or any service I can render to any soul of man…let me do it now. Let me not neglect or defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.” (An old Quaker saying)

Sometimes I watch people as they pass by me - on the road or at the grocery store - and I wonder what their "story" is. I wonder if they're hurting or happy, if they feel loved or lonely.

And I think about what I can do to help, to make this world a better place, to alleviate some of the pain and the "cold" in this weary world.

I want to remember to use good old-fashioned courtesies - to open the door for the lady with the stroller and the bag in her arms, to ask how the cashier's day is at the check-out line (and wait for an answer), to offer my seat to the elderly gentleman with the cane, to bring chicken soup to a friend who has a cold, to truly listen when my 11-year-old neighbor tells me about the boy that likes her in her class.

I don't want to walk through this world - numbly, hastily, without regard for others.

I want to scatter sunshine - to take the rays of love in my heart and let them glisten and glow. I want to light a candle and run into the darkness. I want to inspire a child, to give hope and help to a destitute or disheartened friend, to make somebody laugh who hasn't laughed in a long time.

I want to be - totally - human. Totally aware. Totally intentional about love.

This weekend is about that - about changing the world, one person at a time. Join me for articles, product reviews, giveaways, and inspiration.

* Image taken from Flickr, will_hybrid's photostream

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13 comments on “Themed Weekend: Intentional Acts of Kindness”

  1. I LOVE your use of "Intentional".
    "Random" is often used in our culture, but I believe the motive and Motivator of all kindness is really God himself. And there is nothing accidental, unintentional or random about Him.

  2. thanks for the reminder to slow down and live in the moment... to appreciate what i have and to pass my happiness along to someone else... to live my life as an example to my kids... to take the time to do small things to make the world a little bit happier... the small things are so worth it!

  3. Lovely post. If everyone felt the same way this world would be a much different place. Thanks for reminding me to slow down and actually listen to the people in my life.

  4. Sad that I'm going out of town for the week, because I want to see all these posts now, not when I get back. I'm taking my computer and crossing my fingers for free wifi, though... :)

  5. More than having this characterize my life, I want it to characterize my child's life. I pray nightly that God would give him a passion for people.

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