Startling Acts of Kindness

Taking the time to do—to give, really — an act of kindness is a little bit like choosing the right path in the woods…and helping to light someone else’s way, too.

As it happens, my husband and I are about to cross paths, domestically speaking.

He’s coming to the end of a three month plus sabbatical, going back to being a bishop who is closely attuned to the well-being of clergy and churches; I’m almost done with a three month plus job that has required me to manage six different classes (three each week, rotating) and the 100 plus individuals therein.

We’re not disagreeing about which path to take, like this couple…

But we are switching roles: he’s been based mostly at home, thriving (not starving) as an artist; and now I will be, once again, with a final (?) revision of my manuscript still to be completed.

Right now, as we near Valentine’s Day, I am wishing that, back in October perhaps, I’d foreseen the need to build in a little togetherness time—a kind of campsite, with a blazing fire — in between this crossing of paths that’s about to happen.

Oh well. We’ll keep the wood stove going, anyway.

While he and I are definitely due some quality time together, maybe somewhere other than icy New Hampshire even, we just as definitely agree on the power of kindness on any path, in any wood. I have very recent proof of that. At the end of last week, when I was nearing the end of my time with one particular class of juniors, one girl lingered after class. When I asked, “Can I help you?” she replied, “I have something for you, Miss.” And then she presented me with a letter. Here is most of it, and of course I will not divulge her name.

Nobody asked her to write this. Who knows what kind of challenges she might be facing in her own life right now; I have a pretty good idea that she has already faced some daunting ones. She didn’t use anything other than the regular paper she had in her notebook to compose something that made my entire day. Sure, there would be a few students whose behavior would try my patience later on; but, fortified by this single act of kindness, I knew I could withstand almost any onslaught.

Is it the thought that counts? Absolutely.

And in a few days, when my husband and I really do cross paths, I’ll try to toss acts of kindness like confetti along his route back to that office of his. I have my paper and different colored pens ready, too.