Kindness by summer1412
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Dear Self,
I often find myself thinking about kindness.
Did one little act of kindness change a life somewhere? Maybe helping that little boy find his mom that one time, or helping that elderly lady with her groceries, or even just giving my brother a kiss goodnight on the forehead every evening.
A lot of people would ask me why I take the time to show acts of kindness to complete strangers. Really, I don't know why. Maybe because somewhere along the lines of time, if ever I needed kindness, I would hope someone would do the same.
If I have children one day, will someone help my child find me if ever they get lost?
When I'm old, will someone, someone I don't even know, help me load my car when my bones are too frail to lift the shopping bags?
If I'm on my deathbed, waiting for my eyes to close for the final time, will someone kiss me on the forehead so I rest in peace?
Would a nurse hold a little girl's hand while she got a shot, simply so she felt at least a little comfort?
Would someone do the same for an inmate getting a lethal injection simply out of kindness, no matter how violent the crime that got him there?
I've met people who would, but there are so few.
I have strong faith that kindness is rewarded. It may not be immediate, but that's okay. Sometimes karma takes a while. Even if you aren't rewarded directly, somewhere along the lines you make a difference. Even if the person repeats that act of kindness to someone else.
To give selflessly is a powerful thing, I think. Not enough people do it. Too many people expect things in return, when the true payment is giving in itself.
These are just my thoughts right now.
More soon. I need to do myself an act of kindness and get some sleep.
Pleasant dreams.
-Summer, age 16
Comments (5)
This reminds me of several quotes: A great many people do many things that seem to be inspired more by a spirit of ostentation than by heartfelt kindnessSuch a pose is nearer akin to hypocrisy than to generosity or moral goodness. Cicero (106-43 B.C.) De officiis, 1.14, tr. Walter Miller, 1913, and next: Throughout this toilsome world, alas! Once and only once I pass; if a kindness I may show, if a good deed I may do to a suffering fellow man, let me do it while I can. No delay, for it is plain I shall not pass this way again. Anonymous. I Shall Not Pass This Way Again (Complete poem). In Hazel Felleman, ed., The Best Loved Poems of the American People, 1936. As also: True kindness presupposes the faculty of imagining as ones own the sufferings and joy of others. Andre Gide (1869-1951) Portraits and Aphorisms; An Unprejudiced Mind (1), 1931, Pretexts: Reflections on Literature and Morality, ed. Justin OBrian, 1959. Thus, thank you Summer1412 for sharing today a genuine act of kindness.
They say you reap what you sow. It follows, therefore, that sowing kindness will lead to more kindness. That certainly has been my experience, for the most part. The world needs fewer sowers of sorrow. You're off to a good start. And you know another nice thing about kindness it's free. Stay kind, and you will surely find happiness. ~ jon
Wow very well written . Well acts of kindness To lead to better things . It was written long ago " Its not what you do , but how much your able to share with others " Kindness couldnever be a bad thing. Though In most hearts it rarely seen. Something I think people has lost over the years. Would make our country stronger especially this holiday coming to take in a family or person to feed them ,offfer a shower or bath , reclothe them . Summer gotta appreciate your writting . Keep up the great work . Sincerely SGT2005 . :)
Certainly this is that time of your when we are more prone to dole out acts of kindness, however, your reflections call to our attention how important it is that this spirit not be seasonal. How right you are about karmic justice-and yes sometimes it takes a while. I like how you demonstrate that there is a broad range of kindness-and yet each act albeit large or small is so very meaningful. I also like Wolfspirits references but another poem on this matter you might enjoy is "You Never Can Tell" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (go to ellawheelerwilcox.org, then to poem index and scroll down alphabetically)- that is when you are not too busy drafting words of wisdom! Truthfully, your words spoke to my heart today and I needed to hear that message. Thanks!
"Maybe because somewhere along the lines of time, if ever I needed kindness, I would hope someone would do the same." -- Miss Summer: Methinks you are much smarter than your chronological age. Welcome! Wonderfully done and most thoughtful piece. Here's hoping it catches on?!! TallPockets.