“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
(Albert Schweitzer, 1875 – 1965)
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So many down through the years have been kindness role models for me. It’s hard to single out just one person. It’s difficult to be the one and only kindness role model for others because, inevitably, we won’t always measure up to that role because we are human. Sometimes we need to be unkind in order to be kind and sometimes others need to be unkind to us in order to be kind. (Do I really mean that? 😉 )
My earliest and forever kindness role model would be my mother. I am blessed to have had her example. My father was also a man of kindness and gentleness. I don’t recall either of them treating anyone in a overtly nasty or unkind way. They had strong principles and beliefs, and definitely drew the line on others who might think and believe differently yet I never heard them express their disapproval in hurtful and ugly ways. It was mostly done in thoughtful ways.
One memory of kindness that stands out was when I messed up at my piano recital and couldn’t remember the rest of the song. I must have been about nine or ten. When we returned home my father sat down with me and encouraged me to play the song all the way through so I’d know that I could do it. I felt supported by his kindness.
Down through the years there were many who displayed kindness along the way. There was one time when I was walking home from Brownies when it was beginning to get dark outside. A dog ran up to me and blocked my way, growling and barking. I was paralyzed by fear. A teenage boy rode up to me on his bicycle and chased the dog away. I didn’t know who he was, and just rushed on home, relieved he was there to help. A kind act I still remember!
My family ~ my siblings ~ my children ~ my grandchildren …….. so many acts of kindness I couldn’t even begin to list them. Many, many friends and acquaintances down through the years who offered a kind and supportive hand during good times and bad, offering words of inspiration just at the right time to give me hope.
I’m going to risk treading into an area that’s a hot-button issue right now only because I strive to look for the goodness and kindness during times when these issues rise up.
For the last ten years I’ve had neighbors across the way who have offered me kindness and support. They are a Muslim family who have reached out to me and I was privileged to get to know. I was invited to their home when each child was welcomed into the world. We would share customary foods with each other during our traditional holidays. When I had surgery the children would bring over offerings of food to cheer me up. I was truly blessed with knowing them and learning from them. Recently they’ve returned to Indonesia to live near relatives. They have dual-citizenship. They never said an unkind word about what was happening politically here in our country yet the father shared with me their fear of what was developing. I think of them often now and hope they are happy in their new home.
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“We could actually soothe our fearful, angry culture if each of us were more mindful of being kind. Kindness is not easy. It takes thought and a commitment to watching how we treat each other.”
Always Model Kindness, Especially to Children
Thank you for sharing your memories of specific acts of kindness, Mary Lou. They really touched me. There is much good in this world. #MLSTL
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Beautiful post, Mary Lou! You make me want to strive to be a kindness role model.
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Thanks Christina!! ❤
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I believe you are a kindness model. I’m sad that your neighbors felt they needed to move back to Indonesia in order to be safe.
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Thanks Jennifer. For the most part, political rhetoric doesn’t represent most Americans. They have family there so I hope they’re happy.
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I find it hard to believe sometimes how unkind people can be. Your father did a wonderful thing for you.
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Yes, I was a lucky girl to have my Dad in my life. ❤
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What a beautiful post! 🙂 My kindness role model was a dear friend and mentor of mine, who also happens to be my yoga teacher. When I was going through a traumatic time last year, she got up at 6 am to hold a class twice a week–even though I was the only one in attendance! We spent a lot of time talking, meditating, and praying, until I ultimately found the strength to leave that situation. It is amazing how some of the most difficult times can also be the times when we experience the most love.
#mlstl
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What a nice memory and what a great friend! Yes, I agree, the kindness we receive during tough times stays with us. ❤
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Hi Mary Lou, there are many people in our lives who show kindness aren’t there? My mother was such a generous soul and I hope that I can be half the woman she was. It was so sad that she passed away at 63 which is too young for such a beautiful person. I like to think that I am kind towards others. It doesn’t cost us anything in the scheme of things but can bring so much to others. Thank you for supporting #MLSTL and have a beautiful week. xx
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We’re really fortunate when we have those role models in our parents Sue. ❤
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MaryLou, Such wonderful memories of kindness. I am working on trying to be less judgmental and more kind, more compassionate. I appreciate the quote that kindness is not easy. I will keep trying! Visiting from #MLSTL
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Thanks Pat! I always struggle with the difference between kindness and being nice. I’m not good at confrontation when it’s necessary.
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The presence of role models in our life can be subtle but, as you said, their effect can last a lifetime. Kindness role models are the very best kind and your gratitude for them is no doubt a role model for someone else.
Lovely post!
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I agree Agnes. It’s something we can all choose to do and the impact is lasting.
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Kindness makes the world go round doesn’t it Mary Lou? You were so lucky to have a kind father – I wish I’d had one because my life would have been a lot easier knowing that he had my back. Still, we live and grow and learn not to repeat the mistakes of our parents. I also loved your story about the teenage boy and wish your over the road neighbours much joy being back in a country where they are accepted more easily.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Thank you Leanne! It’s nice to have these ‘kindness’ memories to think back on. ❤
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I love the story of your father sitting down with you and having you replay that piece. That is truly kind and empowering for you. I wish we did not have all the dissention and hate filling our country right now. I pray that we all can get along and be at peace.
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❤ Thanks Michele. I guess we just keep trying to live the lives that we'd like to see more of in our country.
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You can never be too kind, can you? Lovely article.
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