Thankful for Small Acts of Kindness

Today I am thankful for small acts of kindness.

Every act of kindness is like ripples on water, the effects are far reaching and potentially endless.

I am thankful I am healthy and can offer a helping hand to the elderly if they need it at times. I am happy to open a door for someone else or offer a kind word and a smile in the elevator. I enjoy saying and hearing “Good Morning” to my co-workers and friends, both in person and on Face Book.

More than any of those things I am thankful that others also appreciate small acts of kindness. Phrases like “please” and “thank you” can make a difference in what someone might be thinking about a situation or having to be slightly inconvenienced.

I love to watch a son or daughter helping their parent in the store. It reminds me of visits to the store with my mom. While she was looking around the fruit and vegetable section, my daughters and I would divide up the rest of the list and bring it back to her. This saved time, allowed her to look for her produce at her leisure, and kept her from getting too tired.

Small acts of kindness can cause a person to pause, sooth an angry or upset spirit even on really bad days. I have on occasion paid the toll for the person behind me on the toll way, or paid a cup of coffee for a stranger just because. I once saw a priest pay for a book and rosary for a small child.

Small acts of kindness are like a tiny nudge or whisper saying “everything is going to be alright.” My wish is that you would be touched by a small act of kindness each day and you will pass on the blessing.

Cherry Coley ©