The Path of Kindness

So far, my kindness reminders have been easy. This one, however, is a little bit more challenging. With Kindness Day and Christmas Day approaching ever so swiftly, our carefully coordinated schedules are becoming more inflexible. This is the busiest time of the year for most of us, and we can’t imagine breaking out of routine for some unplanned occurrence.

I know that I have encouraged deliberate acts of kindness. I’ve reminded you that “practice makes perfect.” I stand by this firmly. But sometimes, someone’s need for kindness comes as a surprise.

On this day, three years ago, our family had no idea that in just two short weeks, our path would change forever. As far as we knew, our schedule was fixed. We were headed in the direction of a beautiful holiday season.

On December 22, 2007, our family found itself on the Earth’s Edge. We were lost, sometimes unable to move in any direction.

On December 22, 2007, and for many many days that followed, inflexible schedules of kind hearted friends, and even strangers, suddenly became wide open. Fixed routines became bendable. Kindness surrounded us because so many individuals stepped out of their own way to help us find ours.

For those kindnesses, we found our way. For those kindnesses, we will forever be thankful.

So, today’s kindness reminder is one I learned by heart, and I keep in my heart. I hope you will do the same. Help others find their way by stepping out of your own.