“Be ye kind to one another, tender hearted and forgiving” Ephesians 4:32

Being kind flies under the radar. It is under- rated, under-appreciated and under-practiced. In a culture filled with mega meals, mega churches and yes, even megalomaniacs, the small acts of kindness which make a big difference largely go unnoticed. And that’s good. Because genuine acts of kindness are done out of love and concern for others, without a desire to be recognized for them. Lately, I’ve been reminded of these small, seemingly insignificant gestures that make such a big difference in life.

Last week I was invited to the home of a couple who are facing the challenges of a dementia diagnosis. They warmly welcomed me into their small and somewhat sparsely furnished apartment. They invited me to sit with them at their table and offered me coffee or tea. It meant a lot to me to be welcomed like that. A few days later the neighbor lady brought a plate of cookies over. “Extras” that she had made. And yesterday I was served a lunch consisting of carrots, cookies and a granola bar. That doesn’t sound like much, unless one considers the circumstances.

I had begun the morning with a support group of people with dementia and their caregivers that met until 11:30. At 1:00 there was a class I was teaching to a group of Stephen Ministers at a church that was a half hour drive away. By the time I took care of matters with the group and had a few closing conversations with the participants it was noon. Taking time to grab a quick bite to eat was out of the question, and I had lacked the foresight to pack my own. As I left I called Nancy who had arranged for the class and told her that I was on my way. “It sounds like you’re eating your lunch”, I said to her. “Yes”, she said. “Have you had yours?” I told her the circumstances, to which she replied “I’ll bring you something.” When I arrived at the church my lunch was waiting for me! It wasn’t much in terms of volume, but it was a virtual feast in regards to thoughtfulness on her part and appreciation on mine. Her kindness meant so very much!

I doubt if Nancy realized how much her gesture meant to me! It was a small and seemingly insignificant action, to throw a granola bar and a couple of other items into her purse. To me it made all the difference in my day. Not only did it alleviate the minor gnawings of noonday hunger, but it positively affected my attitude. Rather than viewing the group I was teaching as strangers, I saw them as friends. Instead of thinking of the other tasks that were waiting for me at the office and needed attention, I settled in to the time I had with them, and made it my purpose to fully enjoy it. It fostered the ability to be more aware and fully in the moments that I had with the group. And, of course, it motivated me to not only be thankful, but to emulate Nancy’s actions and be more intentional about my own practice of being kind to others.

It sounds cliché, but it really is the small things in life, like kindness, that matter most. Perhaps it would be beneficial to pause for a moment and appreciate some recent occasions when another person has been kind to you. And also to consider the opportunities you have taken and will take again to do something for another person, almost without a second thought.

Kindness and hospitality was a very essential component of early Celtic Christian practice. Welcoming a stranger into one’s home was viewed as being an act of humble service; A type of foot-washing if you will. It seems such a simple act of love, and maybe that’s what makes it so meaningful. It is not undertaken with the expectation of acknowledgement or accolades. There’s no podium upon which invited to stand behind to give a speech, no stage where one will receive an award. Small acts of kindness are gracious and gratuitous. Freely given and freely received. No intention to pay it back, perhaps only to pay it forward.

As I was writing this a song came to mind written quite a few years ago. Some of you will recognize it. It’s called “Try a Little Kindness”, written by Glen Campbell who died of Alzheimer’s Disease. The chorus goes like this:

“You got to try a little kindness, Yes show a little kindness; Shine your light for everyone to see. And if you try a little kindness, then you’ll overlook the blindness, of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets.”