The Act Itself

Written by Barb

I’ve *challenged myself to be kind this year.

The hardest part so far is not knowing how the act of kindness was received, or if it was spotted at all.

It seems there’s more to it than the act itself.

I love my two neighbors! After Christmas, I left a note in one of their mailboxes wishing them a beautiful season. We are newly getting to know one another, and as you know, I Scare People!

Once I do these small acts, doubt sets in.

Was it the right mailbox? Will the mail lady see it has no postage and take it? Silly stuff!

I blew it big time yesterday. I left a small gift under the counter of a friends workplace who needed some kindness. I told her boss it was there, and to let her know. He was distracted at the time, so what did I do? Texted her to make sure she found it. 😦

I have to do this with zero expectation.

My neighbor got her note, and left one in my mailbox in return. The note was tied around a bar of candy. How did she know it was one of my favorites? She most likely had peace about it.

chocolate
Love, love, love!

So, even in this, I need to trust God more.

My Bible verse this morning was, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6

Coincidence? No way.

God is big into the finest of details. The note my neighbor left for me had a sticker on the back of the envelope. When I saw it, I just stopped and stared.

grow
The back of the envelope with sticker.

Yes Lord, it’s all about growth. Not the act itself.

*Credit for this challenge goes to Donna Cameron of A Year of Living Kindly.

15 thoughts on “The Act Itself”

  1. Pingback: The Ordinary is extraordinary – Margo Flutterby

  2. Being kind is just so damn easy – and it doesn’t have to be anything material – It is a genuine smile for everyone who catches your eye, it’s holding the door for someone behind you, it is saying “Thank you” to everyone for any little courtesy they extend to you…It is acknowledging another person’s existence in this world and letting them know they are noticed…and you do that with your smile and your ‘thank you’ and it lifts you out of yourself, if only for a moment.

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  3. I could have written this post! I also wondered if it was the right mailbox and thought about it a little too much – even though it’s pretty clear since it’s the only mailbox! I love the reminder to trust and let go. Looking forward to many more kind exchanges as neighbors! xo

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  5. Lovely post, Barb, and beautiful intentions for the year ahead. So glad I could in some small way help you embrace the “challenge.” I hope your kindness aspiration will result in a joy-filled and kindness-filled year, filled with the many astonishing surprises kindness brings (which seem to have already begun!). I will look forward to following your journey.

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  9. I, too, am trying to work on being more kind this year…in a thousand little ways. And especially at home, where all too often we forget. At least, I certainly do. It’s not always easy, but it is SO worth it. Great post. 🙂

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    1. It really is a thousand little ways. Small acts, but numerous! Home is where we practice, and you’re right, it’s where we should be the most kind, and then let it spill over onto others. Happy you’re on board. Thank you lovely! xxx

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