A Kind Mind Published SUN Pagosa January 10, 2019 – View Story
What if someone did something for you that was very kind?
How would you feel?
And, what if each of us kindly provided a gift or performed a task to assist another?
Could individual kindness make a difference?
I was the recipient of a kind act. Actually, two kind gestures within less than 10 days.
These kind and considerate gifts made a difference in my recent concern for how caustic and antagonistic many people seem to be acting. Scathing and nasty remarks and comments appear to be on the increase. Hurtful judgments and hateful words abound. Personally, I have found this behavior and language corrosive and derisive to a cooperative and effective social fabric. Our society!
I was grocery shopping and in line to check out. The cashier was wringing up the costs and packing up the food.
As I was about to pay, a man came up to me and said, “I’m going to pay for your groceries”.
I stood there dumfounded and uttered an almost unintelligible “what??”.
“You heard me,” he said.
My eyes alight and mouth hanging, he put his credit card in the machine and completed the task.
I muttered a number of thank you’s as he walked away.
“I’m going to pay this forward,” I muttered.
It has taken me some time to assimilate this kind, genuine, and symbolic deed.
If I want to live in a kind, well-meaning world of thoughtful, neighborly and compassionate people I should also think and act this way. Clearly, I know that we do not alleviate violence with more violence. Merely, we enhance the cruelty, fighting, and forcefulness.
Then, another event occurred.
I was walking my dog on a very sunny, bright blue day on the walkway along the San Juan River downtown. I had forgotten my sunglasses and the glare was spectacular. Eyes squinted I kept my gaze lowered the best I could.
A gentleman with a beautiful, blue-eyed, blonde Siberian Husky introduced his dog to my German Shepherd Dog.
Still shielding my eyes we conversed slightly.
“Beautiful day. Quite bright.” He said.
“Yes, beautiful and intense.” I responded.
“I have an extra pair of sunglasses. Here.” He handed me a ideal pair of sunglasses that fit perfectly.
“How do I get them back to you?” I asked.
“No need. They’re extras.” He said.
“Seriously? You are so kind!” I said.
“Happy New Year.” He smiled.
I felt as if I had been given another “Act of Grace”. Thank you.
Although I believe that I”m a kind and caring person, how could I be more kind and promote more kindness too, I pondered.
A kind mind. Kind thoughts in all circumstances. Kindness – no matter what. I thought.
A KIND MIND! New Year’s Resolution for 2019. How about you?
