Since 1998, November 13 has marked World Kindness Day in order “to inspire individuals and nations to create a kinder world.” Though internationally celebrated from the UK to Japan, every act of kindness is fundamentally local and personal.
While there are many kind gestures, I encourage you to try this: pay for the stranger’s meal who is behind you in line. This particular act of kindness could take place at the grocery store, the coffee shop, or the hot dog stand. Let your fellow customer know what you would like to do and see what happens.
I first learned this practice of kindness from my friend, Rev. Larry Neal, pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. As a pastor myself, I make frequent visits to parishioners in hospitals; every month or so, I buy the lunch of a nurse who happened to be with me in the cafeteria. Usually, the person thanks me, then leaves with their food. On a couple of occasions, the nurse has invited me to sit and eat together. I generally never see that person again; the university hospitals are enormous. But months after I bought her lunch, I crossed paths with one older woman, and she wrapped me in a hug!
I am clear that an act of kindness does not have to cost money. “Everyday” hugs can be supremely kind.
But even if you only pay for a coffee or a donut, it’s an investment that someone will likely remember. I don’t have anything against good manners, but no stranger has ever recognized me months after I held open the door for them.
I think the difference between kindness and politeness is that the former seeks to create a meaningful relationship. The word “kindness” is derived from the same root as “kin.” I can be nice to a stranger; an act of kindness has the power to make someone like family. I don’t know if that hugging nurse actually remembers my name… but she called me “Brother.”
Andrew Taylor-Troutman is the author of the book with Wipf and Stock Publishers titled This Is the Day: A Year of Observing Unofficial Holidays about Ampersands, Bobbleheads, Buttons, Cousins, Hairball Awareness, Humbugs, Serendipity, Star Wars, Teenagers, Tenderness, Walking to School, Yo-Yos, and More. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he is a student of joy.
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