One small step of kindness
Taking a quick minute to lovingly reach out to someone is well worth it, because the impact goes way beyond ourselves.
The sun glows through the clouds in Woodstock, Vermont, on Thursday. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Indeed, 2020 has been a year of moving forward with new steps, often unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable steps, as we navigate today's landscape. However, that new landscape has also made goodness stand out a bit more, giving us a new awareness of smaller things that used to get little more than a passing thought.
Now, we all know a smile, a kind greeting or a simple offer of help can go a long way. They each provide much-needed comfort, some extra nourishment for the soul, which is especially important during these holidays when large, festive gatherings with loved ones are greatly missed. We can continue to show love and kindness to others even in the smallest ways, and when we do, we shine light into our own lives as well. Also, people are ready to show kindness, and ready to help. Everyone has spent too much time away from other humans this year, so it's that much easier for everyone to relate to each other and see the need for a kind moment or two.
I experienced that concept on Saturday, and I was reminded that people are beautifully helpful, and sincerely so. After dropping off our daughter to ski at Pico Mountain in Killington, my wife and I drove down Route 4 into nearby Rutland to run errands. Several times at a local shop, we found ourselves in the same section as another customer, who cheerfully helped us find what we needed each time. I know the staff was grateful, since there were only a couple of employees on the floor during that shift. So, this woman’s kindness helped in a couple different ways. Later, we enjoyed a friendly chat by the check-out line. All told, the whole experience lasted a few minutes. But it got me thinking about small ways we can lift up each other’s day. The truth is, it doesn’t take much; just a couple moments of consideration, and some grace.
There's no better time to cherish kindness than during the holiday season, because that loving spirit is alive within each of us, and so very ready to be shared. Taking a quick minute to lovingly reach out to someone is well worth it, because the impact goes way beyond ourselves. It uplifts everyone involved, and ushers in a happiness that benefits us all. No gift has greater value than that.
— Gareth Henderson
Including kindness
The voices of young people have been heard throughout this pandemic, and sometimes in the simplest, and most beautiful ways.
(Gareth Henderson Photo)
The voices of young people have been heard throughout this pandemic, and sometimes in the simplest, and most beautiful ways. So many times, the simplest messages speak most strongly, right when we need them most.
The art on Google's homepage logo is something many have grown used to over the years; we may not always stop and look closely at its message. Today I did, and I was so glad I took that moment. It showed a drawing by Sharon Sara, an elementary school student from Frisco, Texas, who won the 2020 Doodle for Google contest. The artwork shows girls of different races holding hands together, and it exudes a beautiful innocence around inclusion and friendship, things the world needs to be reminded of today.
For its annual contest, Google's prompt for 2020 was "I show kindness by ..." — and Sharon decided to focus on being inclusive in her drawing titled, "Together as one." Along with her winning entry, Sharon reflected on some struggles she’s had with friendship.
"People have not wanted to be my friend because of how I look, so I decided to draw what I do!" she wrote to Google. "No matter what people look like, you look on the inside and then decide if you want to be their friend."
She added, "Kindness means to not look at someone from the outside, but look at their personality, and being open to their friendship."
To wake up to that message this morning, with its simple truth that anyone can be a friend, was a wonderful gift from the heart. It was another inspiring example of our youth’s positive influence, specifically on matters of inclusion. How special it is, that millions of people have now seen and read Sharon’s heartfelt message. Another hopeful note: A number of the other contest submissions also focused on inclusivity.
In 2020, young people have formed an impactful collective voice, not only during protests against injustice, but also in defense of simple human decency everyone should follow. They remind our country and the world that everyone is deserving of kindness. This year, no message could be more important.
— Gareth Henderson