There are days when I wonder what’s happened to the human spirit. The old fashioned rules – like the Golden Rule – seem all but forgotten. The population of It’s all about me,” seems to dominate and often our children are learning the same bad habits. Simple things like “please” and “thank you” are almost non-existent.
It’s times like that when my attention turns inward. Hey, it’s all about me, right? What I mean is, I have to look beyond others to see if I am just as much at fault as anyone else. It really begins within our own hearts and how much we’re willing to give a part of ourselves away. The thing with kindness is that no matter how much you give away, you’ll always receive twofold in return. That shouldn’t be the reason for doing acts of kindness. It’s just a bonus.
Yesterday, as I joined fifty million others who were restocking their refrigerators and cupboards, I was witness to a sweet act of kindness. Two elderly ladies (older than me) were shopping side by side, each with their own shopping carts. They stopped at the egg section and spent a great deal of time trying to decide what size to buy. I didn’t know there were that many choices. Their carts blocked the aisle and many impatient shoppers rudely pushed their way past them. One woman waited patiently for the women to make their choice. I backed up and continued to shop in a different aisle, opting to return later for my eggs.
I went down a couple more rows and returned to find the same scenario. The two ladies were still trying to decide which eggs to purchase and the patient woman continued to wait. At last, they walked on with their dozen eggs. I’m not sure what size they finally decided on. The patient woman proceeded to grab a dozen and apologized for taking so long. She showed respect to the women. She cared enough not to push her way in. Not only was she kind to them, she took time to be kind to me as well. I truly hope she is blessed with many acts of kindness towards her.
It seems such a little thing to some people – an unnecessary courtesy – an unimportant gesture – yet so important in our relationships with each other. There could be a billion reasons for this lack of kindness which seems to pervade our lives today. Maybe we simply have forgotten how to be nice or how to communicate, but there really is no excuse for not exhibiting a simple act of kindness to those we encounter each day.
Imagine how things might change in the course of our lives. Imagine how those simple kindnesses will bless another human being. Imagine how much better our world would be if we simply cared about each other again, rather than putting “me” first.
atimetoshare.me 
The world is indeed a better place when we share a little kindness. I remember a Glen Campbell song with this message.
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It could be sooo much better.
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I think shopping for other items and returning for eggs is as thoughtful as standing and waiting. J.
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I really didn’t want to get run over by those impatient shoppers.
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I seem to learn so many life lessons in the grocery store…from rudeness to kindness to the plethora of eggs—I prefer brow, free-range, organic 🙂
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I knew you were a brow, free range, organic type😜
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I think they’re prettier 🤪
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So true. And what a sweet story about the egg shoppers! ❤️
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Thank you❤️
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The grocery store is a great place to see a person’s character. I would have done as you did and found a different aisle…so much better than rudely pushing past. I hope as I age that others are as kind to me.
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People are in such a hurry today. We need to stop and smell the eggs, right?
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Wonderful post, from the quote at the beginning to the egg encounter. You’re so right. The world would be a better place if we all showed a little more kindness. As I age, I find it easier to be patient and kind. I really don’t know why I used to be in such a hurry all the time! What the heck was I doing that was so important?! Lol.
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I’m in the same boat though I’m sure I’m older than you. It’s so important to take it easy. I never thought that way before I retired, but we have to keep in touch with the aging process too. Patience has to be learned.❤️
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Very good reminder of how much little things can mean a lot. By the way, I always have problems accessing your blog to the current date. If I go to a link on the e-mail, it takes me to that link but I can’t find a way to comment, like, or exit to another link. So I try going to home page which opens to a blog on Dec. 6. I can’t even get a profile. When I accidentally stumble onto your current page, I think it is when I see you on someone else’s web and go from there. I would like to read your current blogs. Oh, dear, what can the matter be?
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I haven’t got a clue. I’m not very good with technology and even worse with WordPress.😳
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