Doing acts of kindness is not kid-stuff

A great paradox about the Care and Kindness Campaign is that it is both simple and misunderstood.

It is so simple that everyone can do it! And yet, because these actions, at first blush, seem to be so obvious, they are quickly dismissed, or overlooked by many people.

A big distinction of the Care and Kindness Campaign is that it promotes intentional acts of kindness. Being intentional means going out of your way.

Listening is supremely important. One must listen to another person, listen to what they are saying, listen to what they are not saying, listen for their feelings. When we truly hear the other person, then we can respond with kindness and mercy and encouragement. We need to listen to one another carefully and attentively. This kind of listening will help us to discern and know each other’s deepest needs and to respond lovingly and appropriately to such need with Spirit-filled acts of kindness that are truly other-directed. In fact, listening itself is a kindness we can give to others in a self-obsessed world where very few people are heard deeply enough to feel understood.

So, in summary, understanding the impact that intentional acts of kindness has on people is no small thing. Sprinkling these gifts around as you go about your daily routine takes a mature attitude — it is definitely not kid-stuff!

Blessings to each one of you who are acting as ambassadors in the Care and Kindness Campaign. Blessings to you for understanding these concepts. We know you feel blessed as you give of yourselves and your time to offer intentional acts of kindness.