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This week—Feb. 12-18—is National Random Acts of Kindness Week.
It’s one of the special observances on the yearly calendar intended to draw our attention to an important issue. In this case, it’s designed to remind us that kindness is king. After all, it’s on the Apostle Paul’s list of sure-fire ways to show your love to others.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
– 1 Corinthians 13:4
But what if our kindness isn’t random at all? What if we didn’t just unleash our kindness randomly, but deliberately—and on everyone?
Here are a few things we can all do so that kindness becomes a way of life and not just during one week in February. Let’s practice these thoughtful acts—some from “Say Please, Say Thank You” by Donald McCullough—so they become a part of who we are, all the time.
— Strengthen the bonds of community and make eye contact, smile warmly and say “good morning” to strangers.
— Be generous to the wait staff or barista. Leave a tip worth working for.
— Close your mouth and open your ears. Give people your full attention and listen well when they’re talking to you.
— Remember to say please and thank you, and mean it.
— Be the first to apologize and take responsibility for a mistake—even when it’s not your fault.
— Respect other people’s time and make every effort not to be late.
— Set aside time to fellowship with an elderly neighbor, friend or family member.
— Buy some good-looking stationery and send at least one handwritten note a month to someone you care about.
— Bend down to speak to little children—and dogs!
What else can you add to the list?
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