On many occasions, I have been blessed to receive an unexpected kindness from a friend is a wonderful thing! If you have never done an unexpected kindness for someone, let today be the day you start.
There is something wonderful about an unexpected kindness from a friend.
For the past several weeks, I shared unexpected kindnesses I have been blessed to see or to receive. I invite you to both celebrate unexpected kindnesses and to provide unexpected kindnesses to others. Those little surprises do a great deal to make a person feel better about themselves and life.
I moved out on my own when I was 19 years old. I was in my second year of college at the Community College of Philadelphia also known as CCP. That is when I met Jackie Chaney. Jackie was a married, Christian, mother of five who came back to college. Jackie was like a big sister to me when I really needed one. It was hard to be living out on my own. It was hard mentally, financially, socially, and emotionally. Jackie took time to be nice to me, to advise me, and to help me every chance she could.
Jackie and I used to go out to breakfast or lunch about two days per week. I always made sure to order the least expensive thing possible because of my limited budget. There is nothing spectacular about that. What was an unexpected kindness was the fact that Jackie would always slip money to cover my portion of the meal back into my pocket or into my backpack. It took me quite a while to realize what she was doing. She was being kind to me and allowing me to save face. Keep in mind Jackie had five children at home and could have used the five to ten bucks she kept returning to me each week. But week after week, time after time Jackie showed me kindness in so many ways.
When you are treated well, treat other people that way!
Since those days at CCP, I have tried to treat other people as Jackie treated me. If I see a friend in need, I step in and help. I always make sure to be subtle with my help, to allow my friends to maintain their dignity. I have told so many people about Jackie and her kindness. Over the years, life has intervened and Jackie and I have lost touch, but I have never forgotten her unexpected kindness. Now you have heard the story and perhaps will be inspired to spread some unexpected kindness of your own.
Because of Jackie, I have let young people in trouble find shelter in my home. While traveling for work I have helped young co-workers with hotel rooms, taxi rides, and survival techniques. I always look for ways to help young people in need. While I help them, I keep my help a secret from others. I also help in ways that keep the young people from losing face.
Acts of unexpected kindness may have waves that reach out into areas and people you may not know. Go and spread some unexpected kindness around you. So, the question for you this Wonderful Wednesday is what unexpected kindness can you do to make life better for a friend?
