Gifts of Kindness

visiontoaction — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:11:02 +0000

Holiday lists, shopping, and the spending begins. It’s so easy to focus on what has to be done, or what we’re not in the position to give to those we care about, that we forget what’s most important to us. Helen Keller stated, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” Heartfelt gifts of kindness mean a lot to us, so I’d like to suggest that we touch the lives of others with a smile, kind word or deed, or time spent connecting with another.

I’d like to share one of my most precious holiday gifts:
My friend Ed, during his single years, used to dress up as Santa every year, and visit retirement homes. Ed had a stocky build, wore glasses, and white hair, and he spent months growing out his beard. He knew I was a single mother of four small children, who didn’t have much time or money to spend on myself, so Ed had an idea. On his way home from his Santa visits on Christmas Eve, Ed surprised me with a knock on my door, a jolly Merry Christmas (dressed as Santa) with a single rose in hand. I felt so good inside that I wanted to share the joy. My neighbors across the street were going through some tough times, and they had a 5 yr.old son, and 3 yr. old daughter. I had a couple extra small toys available, so I asked Ed (Santa) if he had a few minutes to take the toys and visit my neighbors. Oh my gosh, what a gift! Ed spent 30 minutes with the children, and I’ll never forget the response the children had, the pleasure on the faces of their parents, and the joy I felt watching the Santa with the children. He gave from his heart, and many of us were touched with joy that night.

Please join me: Let’s all do something from the heart for someone, maybe even a stranger, and see how your gift spreads from heart to heart. Also, take the time to notice the gifts of kindness others do for you. A smile or kind word, when noticed can change your day.

I’d like for you to share your stories, given or received, so please visit my website, click my contact link, and email me your story. www.visiontoaction.org I’d like to post stories on my web site, so we can all keep the Christmas spirit alive in us.

Spread good cheer! Cheryl

Vision to Action

Gifts of Kindness