I am often surprised by kindness sent my direction. By someone who smiles, or holds the door, or says something really nice without provocation or warning or necesseity. Why does that bring tears to my eyes sometimes? I haven't figured that out yet.
This time of year, the Advent, Christmas is coming season, some people go out of their way to be kind. I appreciate that effort. I really do. But, sometimes when they try too hard it comes off flat or obvious or even hilarious. A man in the grocery store last week was obviously "spreading cheer." I saw him offer to reach something up high for a woman, although it turns out she didn't want the item. Then he walked past me, told me that he liked my cape and proceded to pet my shoulder a couple of times. I sort of creeped me out to be touched by a stranger, but I recognized that he was trying to be kind. I told him thank you and walked on with purpose.
There are people who let you in and people who keep you out. By way of example I mean, have you ever stepped into an office or a shop and the people in the room treated you like you were one of them and shared the laugh with you? Or, conversely, have you ever stepped into a room where things went dead silent, where you were looked on with suspicion or antagonism? Both of these things happen, but why isn't the friendly room the more common experience?
I, like the man who petted my shoulder, am working on the kind and friendly action. It doesn't come totally naturally to me. I keep my hands off other people, because that seems obvious to me, but I try to say something nice, especially if I am waiting in long lines or am treated rudely by someone else. Gradually it is becomeing more natural to me. I am trying to become one of the kind people who reflects Christ's love.
This time of year, the Advent, Christmas is coming season, some people go out of their way to be kind. I appreciate that effort. I really do. But, sometimes when they try too hard it comes off flat or obvious or even hilarious. A man in the grocery store last week was obviously "spreading cheer." I saw him offer to reach something up high for a woman, although it turns out she didn't want the item. Then he walked past me, told me that he liked my cape and proceded to pet my shoulder a couple of times. I sort of creeped me out to be touched by a stranger, but I recognized that he was trying to be kind. I told him thank you and walked on with purpose.
There are people who let you in and people who keep you out. By way of example I mean, have you ever stepped into an office or a shop and the people in the room treated you like you were one of them and shared the laugh with you? Or, conversely, have you ever stepped into a room where things went dead silent, where you were looked on with suspicion or antagonism? Both of these things happen, but why isn't the friendly room the more common experience?
I, like the man who petted my shoulder, am working on the kind and friendly action. It doesn't come totally naturally to me. I keep my hands off other people, because that seems obvious to me, but I try to say something nice, especially if I am waiting in long lines or am treated rudely by someone else. Gradually it is becomeing more natural to me. I am trying to become one of the kind people who reflects Christ's love.