« Build an ARK: Spreading Acts of Random Kindness »
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
- Mother Teresa
“Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower.”
- S.H. Simmons
Earlier today I watched a movie called Evan Almighty. It’s the sequel to Bruce Almighty. Steve Carell from The Office, stars in this film and plays Congressman Evan Baxter who is contacted by God to build an ark in preparation for an imminent flood. Evan, estranged from his family due to his busy life, remains skeptical at first, but eventually submits to God’s will and finds himself reconnected with his wife and children. As a result of building the ark, Evan saves a town from a massive flood that strikes. He changed the world through one random act of kindness.
Random is unexpected
The element of surprise is important not only in The Art of War, but also in impacting someone’s life. When someone expects a favor or reciprocation, the wow factor becomes diminished.For example, I was at a grocery store paying for my groceries when I lived in Washington, DC. There was a group of teenagers behind me and one of them was buying a snack to eat. She didn’t have enough money on her and was a buck short. She asked her friends to borrow a dollar and none of them would give it to her, so I just slipped her a dollar and made my way. She was shocked and had the brightest smile on her face. This girl did not expect to be able to get her snack that afternoon, and after a complete stranger did an act of random kindness she was happy.
Kindness is simplicity
Our lives may not be as dramatic as that of Evan Baxter, but every day we have opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. The way in which we change the world doesn’t even have to be a revolutionary one. Something as simple as helping an elderly person cross the street, can make someone’s life better. Giving someone a sincere compliment costs you nothing, but can make their day and boost their confidence. Find ways in which you make someone’s life better, because there may come a time where you need some help.
Impact is Deep
The simple and random acts of kindness that you share with others can unleash a wave of unexpected results. Offering someone a job might just be business to me, but is a way for someone to help their family survive. Letting someone into your lane on the highway so that they can get off at the proper exit could mean saving the person’s life as he was driving to the emergency room.
So the next time you have an opportunity to help someone, don’t underestimate the significance of your seemingly small and unimportant Acts of Random Kindness.
Blog | tagged Happiness, Helping People, Kindness, Random, Simplicity 
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments