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The Impact of Every Day Acts of Kindness

Last week at school, we had a kindness program for our students. One of the activities was making kindness chains. Each child had to write something kind that someone had done for them or vice versa. I was amazed that each one, whether a kindergartner or a fifth grader, immediately knew something they could write. 

 Here are some of their sweet messages:
 "I helped my mom cook."

 "My sister let me play with her."

 "My dad helped me up when I was down."

 "My friend hugs me when I get off the bus."

 "My mom helps me when I get hurt because when I get cut she puts peroxide on my cut."

"When I fell down, my sister laughed at me, but she felt bad
so she took me to the movies to say sorry."

After every student had written on their strip, we put them together in one huge chain. That chain hangs in the main hall of the school as a reminder that there is kindness all around us. 
We just have to look for it.


Even though this was an activity for elementary school students, I think it is an important lesson for all of us. One glance at the news and we are overwhelmed by violence and lies and corruption and strife. But what the news rarely reports are the small acts of kindness all around us.  

A son who helps his mom cook, sisters who play together, a dad who cheers his son up when he's down, a friend who gives sweet hugs, a mom who makes boo-boos feel better, or a sister who makes things right when she hurts your feelings. And these are just a few examples. We don't have to look far to fill our hearts and minds with encouragement.

You may not hang a chain up in your home (but you could:)). It might be a simple list on a notepad beside your bed. But this Christmas and throughout the year, overwhelm yourself with the kindness all around you. It is there, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Shine your light for all to see and keep your eyes open for the other small flames around you. Then hold them close to your heart. 

"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; 
Bind them around your neck, 
Write them on the tablet of your heart." 
Proverbs 3:3


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