Friday, October 07, 2011

Friday Loose Bloggers Consortium: Random Acts of Kindness

I've been reading a book called, "The Kindness of Strangers". It is a compilation of essays written by various journalists, about how total strangers helped them during their travels around the world. Some of the stories are so fascinating, as the authors recount incredibly generous acts of kindness given by people who had no obligation to do so. One story that sticks out in my mind was about a journalist who had been helped by a man in a middle eastern country, and wanted to pay him a visit to thank him. He went to the village, and asked around for where this kind man lived. The people he asked, also asked around and were able to direct him to the house of the man. But the man was away for the day, and wouldn't be back until the next day. But his family took this man in and treated him like royalty. He was included in every family gathering and was fed, and bathed, and given a place to sleep for the night. The next day, when the "friend" returned from his travelling, it was discovered that it wasn't the man he knew after all! But the family still continued to treat him like an honored guest, and helped him locate the man whom he was searching. And I'm sure that if he ever found himself in that village again, he would be welcome in the home of those generous people.
It strikes me that random acts of kindness not only bless the person who is the recipient, but they bless the giver. Being kind helps us to develop a depth of character that cannot be experienced in any other way. It often costs nothing to be kind. You don't have to spend money to be kind. But it can mean the world to that one person who is in desparate need of the kindness of humanity.
Now go and see what the other Consortium members have to say about this issue!

Rummuser, Anu, Ashkok, Gaelikka, Grannymar, Conrad, Padmum, Magpie11, and Akanksha,Will Knot, Maria the Silver Fox, Anki, Nema Noor Paul Plain Joe, and Rohit

3 comments:

Inklings said...

I long ago resolved to be as kind as possible in every situation, although occasionally that means I just refrain from smacking someone up the side of their head :0).

Grannymar said...

'You don't have to spend money to be kind', how very true. Giving time can be better than gold.

Anonymous said...

Lovely story.
Reminds me a little of when I brought gifts to someone I was visiting abroad, but had unfortunately distributed them all to people I met along the way before I arrived at my destination.
Ah well... He didn't mind.