Science teacher Mike Burns emerged from his house and headed to his car for the short commute to his middle school. ‘Wish it were Friday instead of Wednesday, he thought. How can two days feel like five?
Mike’s next door neighbor was already puttering among his prize rosebushes, even though the sun was just rising.
He called out a quiet “Hey, Bill,” so as not to waken any neighbors, then opened the door to the back seat and set his briefcase and lunch on the floor.
“Howdy yourself, Mike!” Bill responded cheerily, raising his clippers in a salute. “’You have a great day now. And just remember: The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese (1).”
Mike chuckled. Bill always had a quick joke or silly quote to share.
“I’ll try to be that second mouse!” Mike quipped, taking his seat behind the wheel, and waving good-bye to his retired neighbor.
As he waited at the first stoplight, Mike found himself sniggering again. Gotta love that Bill—always so positive.
On his way from parking lot to faculty lounge, Mike thought of several colleagues who’d also appreciate Bill’s advice, and smiled again. Yup, they’re gonna love it, he thought.
Early bird that he was, Mike decided to make the coffee. And while it brewed, he straightened up the papers, pens, and other office supplies littering the worktable. With a satisfied grin he surveyed the surprise for his coworkers, then grabbed his mug, poured the first cup out of the pot, and headed to the second floor.
English teacher Angie Thompson arrived next, the teacher who made coffee more often than anyone. But the lounge was already filled with the aroma of a fresh brew.
And look at the table! I’ve never seen it look so neat—and inviting! Angie smiled, already forming a mental list of teachers who might have been so thoughtful. Then with her own cup of joe in hand, Angie walked briskly down the hall to her classroom, invigorated for the day.
Half an hour later, as students strolled in, she found herself engaging with them in good-natured banter. And when the bell rang, Angie greeted her class with an extra dose of cheerfulness and enthusiasm.
The positivity proved highly contagious and as discussion groups got under way, the students responded to each other with more courtesy than usual.
The same phenomenon was occurring in Mike’s classroom too, as partners companionably constructed barometers.
In fact, the atmosphere of good will continued to spread throughout the day, impacting the entire school community by the time the last car left the parking lot.
And when everyone went home, each was surprised how energized they felt—even happier. Hundreds of households benefited from the positivity.
And all because Bill offered a bit of friendly conversation and humor.
_________________________
Now some will say this sequence of events highly exaggerates the results from one small act of kindness. But research has proved:
“Kindness is contagious. It can cascade across people, taking on new forms along the way…One good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people” (2).
No wonder God inspired Paul to write:
Mother Teresa gently expanded on Paul’s instruction this way:
“Be kind and merciful.
Let no one ever come to you
without leaving better and happier.
Be the living expression of God’s kindness:
kindness in your face, kindness in your smile,
kindness in your warm greeting…
Give them not only your care, but also your heart.”
Imagine the over-lapping ripple effect if each of us became the living expression of God’s kindness.
It can start with just a brief, neighborly conversation.
What recent kindness made a difference in your life? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
Notes:
- One of comedian Steven Wright’s famous one-liners.
- Jamil Zaki, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Standford University for Scientific American, July 26, 2016, https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/the-science-of-kindness).
Art & photo credits: http://www.goodfreephotos.com; http://www.flickr.com (3); http://www.canva.com; http://www.flickr.com.)
From the Inside Out 
I feel cheerier just reading this! Lovely post!
Thank you, Ashton! So glad you found inspiration here.
Kindness can be so simple. You asked for us to share …
Only about 30 minutes ago, I shared the story of my beautiful friend Marian with one of my daughters. Seventeen yeas ago, as Marian approached her son’s birthday, she was absolutely devastated. Her son Tim had died that previous year. Marian was beyond broken and wished she could have baked Tim one last cake. She remembered how Tim, just before he died, had brought a homeless man home for Sunday dinner. It was something very unusual he did. As Marian recalled that act of kindness, she found the strength to get up, baked a cake and called a homeless shelter to see if they could use it. She also asked some women from her Bible study to join her. Soon they had a van loaded with baked items. She didn’t know what to expect but found so many grateful people who greeted her at the shelter. Out of this one act of kindness has since grown a ministry to the homeless in Chicago called Timothy’s Ministry.
The Lord had us cross paths about seven years ago. I have learned so many beautiful lessons from her about God’s kindness.
Thanks so much for this wonderful reminder, dear Nancy … thanks for letting me share!
What an uplifting story of beauty out of brokenness. Imagine the ripple effect from Marian’s life! Thank you, Heidi, for taking the time to share the story of Timothy’s Ministry.
Sharing my most recent acts of kindness about 4 month ago I moved to a retired Christian Community into Independent Living and I have only observed kindness especially with my neighbors to my villa. Just where I need to be at this stage in my life and how Blessed to receive God’s kindness in this way. Loved the blog and another one to share. Love and Blessings, Janet
Thank you, Janet. No doubt some of the kindness you are receiving is a direct result of the kindness you give! How do I know? Because you were always more than kind and generous to us. Steve and I are very pleased God led you to such a delightful community.
Nancy, thank you for this beautiful and inspiring message. It is so appropriate for Valentine’s Day–a day set aside to share love with one another. This is truly very uplifting. Love to you and Steve.
Thank you, Ruth. Praise God you found uplift here! (That gives me an uplift too!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this message, Nancy. We may never know truly how others are affected by our kindness and ripple waves that are felt.
You are so right, Precious One. The results we do see are surely just the tip of the iceberg. Part of the joy of heaven will be praising God for the extensive ripple effect, engineered from each of our lives–all the good words He prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
I had a root canal last Friday. My friend, unannounced, brought over some soup for me, and plenty to share with my husband and son. I felt loved and cared for by her kindness.
Thank you for this powerful post, Nancy. What a sweet reminder to keep being kind in the simplest of ways, every day.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Patty. What a thoughtful friend! So glad you found a sweet reminder here. Praise God and thank you for your kind comments!
I guess I never really thought about the ripple affect of kindness. I am the administrator for the Facebook group ‘Mansfield Area High Schools from 1964 to 1970’ for graduates within that time frame. It started out as a place to post reunion information but I’ve expanded it to include tributes to the Vietnam veterans who are dealing with Agent Orange and also to those from our area who were lost to that war. (I lost my 19-year-old cousin Ronnie in 1967 and have had a burden for those who served in Vietnam ever since.) I can’t tell you the countless people who have been touched by my small gesture of remembrance. To God be the glory!
I’m not surprised that administrating a FB group became a ministry for you, Cheri. Praise God for the people you’ve touched with your compassion and thoughtfulness!
When I find myself not being kind, I feel quilty. After having those feelings. I know I must do something about it. The only way I can find peace is to go to that person and ask for forgiveness. Thank you Nancy for the article. It reminds be to be kind.
I can’t imagine you having to ask for forgiveness very often, Laura! The fruit of the Spirit are very evident in your life, including kindness. But you’re right: at those times we haven’t been our best selves, the kiind thing to do is apologize.
I’m glad I’m a bit late to seeing this post, Nancy. I have some hard things to do today and this is a beautiful reminder that how I respond to the day may have a great effect on others. Thank you!
Praise God for his timing–it’s always perfect!
Loved this, Nancy. Of all the things we aspire
to be, kind is at the top of the list.
Thank you, Grace. You are so right–kindness does cover a lot of bases. It’s the loving thing to do that fosters joy in the giver as well as the receiver, and surely contributes to an atmosphere of peace.
Just a quick not to say, I have nominated you for a Liebster blogger award, you can see the details on my latest post. I hope you’ll accept it.
I’ll also send you the link to the award separately.
Very best wishes
Cherrylynn 🤗🔆
Thank you very much for nominating me for a Liebster blogger award. I am honored!
You are very welcome Nancy, I admire the way you throw in interesting day to day anecdotes from life in general and your own life – while highlighting positive reflections on life and God💫✨😊x
Thank you, Cherryl! I greatly appreciate your encouragement!