When the store clerk counted back your change - as she has probably done more than once over the past year - something a little different happened in the past few weeks. As she handed you your receipt and said, "thank you," you also heard her say, "Merry Christmas!" And, chances are, you found yourself responding, "Merry Christmas to you too!" It's such a small exchange between two strangers, but it makes you feel so good. This is the blessing of KINDNESS.
People are more inclined to give kindness to strangers during the Christmas season than any other time of year. If you stop and think about the simple pleasure a little kindness from a stranger can bring, it makes you wonder if we couldn't use a little more Christmas spirit the whole year 'round!
There are many different ways to show kindness during the holiday season.
- Be cheerful to strangers - they will notice.
- Give up your place in line to someone who looks like she needs it.
- Participate in some of the community efforts around you (coat drives, food pantry, etc)
- The options are endless and easy to do!
I believe the question before us is this: Why can't Christmas kindness be extended every day throughout the year? You will be blessed in the process of blessing - I promise!
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:1-4
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