~Ralph Waldo Emerson
As I think about this word, which means "the state or quality of being kind, a kind act, a kind behavior, and a friendly feeling," I can't help but think of an older gentlemen that I wave to on a daily basis. I've never met this man, but he lives on my regular route and each time I pass by, his hand always goes up with a wave. In the summertime he would sit by his garage and wave, and now he's on his enclosed porch.
I have to admit when I first noticed him back in early summer, I thought to myself, "Why does he wave to me, he doesn't even know me?" As the months progressed, I began honking and waving before he had a chance to put his hand up. Little did I know that the kindness of his wave would change the course of my days. His selfless wave brings a smile to my face as I wonder about his life, and I pause in my busyness to feel the kindness of this stranger.
Each time I drive past his home, I now honk and wave even if he isn't visible in his normal location. No matter what is going on in my day or in my life, passing by his house is a reminder to extend kindness to another, after all- I'm pretty sure I'm receiving just as much as he is. Kindness is the ability to be the receiver as well as the giver.
As Emerson so beautifully stated, "You cannot do a kindness too soon..." Kindness reminds me of the fall leaves. If we delay this unconditionally act, we might miss the wonder of the brilliant colors of our lives. Kindness touches our hearts in the most subtle and profound ways. During this season of your life, what kindness could you extend to another? How would extending this kindness enrich your life?
May your day be blessed with kind favor!
May You Sweetly Seek,
In Gratitude,
Sarah