Do Random Acts of Kindness Make a Difference?

This month’s topic:  Tell when you either performed or received a random act of kindness that made your day better.

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

—Bob Kerrey
American politician

I find this is a topic a timely one, but also a topic that can be viewed as one of multi levels.

For those struggling for survival, the basic needs of human kind, food, water, or shelter would qualify.

However, I believe that we as humans have a basic instincts that nudge use to do what is right and good.  However, whether we act on that subconscious nudge, is another matter.

I witnessed an unexpected act of kindness that was unexpected and yet very profound.  This appeared on my Facebook "On This Day" alert.  I had posted this event one year ago today for my friends to read.

Today, I would like to share this post with  you.

At my day job,  I interact with may students and families.  We are all guilty, especially when we are stressed, of passing judgement upon others.  There is one family that is very challenged in dealing with day-to-day living.  The parents have two teenage sons.  The father seems down-trodden and the wife addled and not very high functioning.  However, I must confess that the interaction between this couple that  I witnessed humbled me.  

While waiting for their sons, they discussed a few matters and then the wife confessed that she didn't no very well in her art class (she is enrolled in occupational training).  She said she wasn't as good at drawing as he (her husband) or her sons.  She was afraid she'd fail her class.  Her husband (the look in his eyes reflected his knowledge of her limitations), he said, "You always try hard and take pride in your work. Everything will be okay.  You acted as a TA.  Remember?  That will count for something with your instructor."

When she looked up at him her face mirrored her love.  She knew she knew her limitations, but she also his kind words make her stronger and able to keep trying.

I witnessed the meaning of honoring one's wedding vows at the most basic level.

This was very profound and life changing for me.

This family own rusty, travel-weary bikes, often reside in a hotel, and rely on charity bus passes to take their son to the doctor.

This family was provided with a Thanksgiving basket and clothing today.  Yet, I am the one who was the unexpected recipient of a holiday gift.

Never, never discount the power of an act of kindness.

I hope you have enjoyed my post.  Please visit the other sites in this month's blog-hop.

Happy Reading,

Connie

Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Fiona McGier http://www.fionamcgier.com/
Connie Vines http://connievines.blogspot.com/
Skye Taylor  http://www.skye-writer.com/

Bob Rich  http://wp.me/p3Xihg-z4

Holly Glover  http://www.hollieglover.co.uk

Judy Copek  http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com

Helena Fairfax  http://helenafairfax.com/
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/
Diane Bator http://dbator.blogspot.ca/
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com/