Kindness Everywhere

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I was driving through my community the other day, running a few errands, radio on, sun breaking through the rain clouds. 

Cars ahead of me sped along as I rounded a bend in the road. Suddenly I noticed vehicles in the oncoming lane were stopped. I immediately wondered why, and then the lights of the lead car flashed. 

Caution! 

I slowed and looked around. And then I saw them.

Standing on the corner of the sidewalk on my side of the road, obscured by a hedge, was an elderly couple waiting to cross the road. 

Traffic on my side couldn't see them, but cars in the other lane could. I stopped. 

With both lanes of traffic giving way, the couple gingerly stepped off the curb and carefully crossed the street. As they reached the other side, the man in the oncoming car and I exchanged messages of sorts.

“Thank you for helping,” he said by lifting prayer hands pressed together in gratitude over his steering wheel.

“Thank you for signaling me so I could help,” I said by waving through the windshield smiling.

Contrary to the plethora of fear-focused news stories, everywhere we go there are people ready to be kind. Plenty of people need that kindness in communities, neighborhood groups, schools, coffee shops, parks, the gym. And of course, at work too. 

Such simple actions weave a profound web of care that creates safety and wellness for all. We can do this for each other, and when we do, we end up living and working in a more loving and human-friendly place too. 

Win-win! 

What kindness have you seen or shared recently? What kindness have you received? I'd love to hear your story.