Kindness… so much of our day is filled with negativity, sadness, tragedy etc that we forget about the simple things in life. We often feel that we can’t make change, or have impact but I’m here to share something with you that might have you looking at the power of kindness in a totally different way.
The Power of Kindness
Last week, as I popped Finlee and Chloe into the back of the taxi in Bali, my eyes slowly connected with our taxi driver’s eyes. I noticed right away that his eyes were filled with sadness and the smile that we’re normally met with in Bali from the locals wasn’t there this time.
As we started our journey to the local shops I asked our driver how his day was going. He informed me that “it was no good. It’s slow season in Bali. You my first job of the day.” He then turned around, with tears in his eyes and told me that “I no money to pay rent. Means no food.” I told him I was so sorry to hear this and quickly offered him the chance to wait for us to complete our shop and that he could drive us back if this would help in anyway. He responded with “yes. Thank you.”
We finished our shop and made the journey back to our hotel. Finlee and Chloe spoke with the taxi driver and showed him the few items they had just purchased from the shop. As we pulled into the hotel Finlee asked to pay the taxi driver and I noticed our fare was 60,000 Indonesian Rupiah (which is around $6.00 Australian dollars). So I handed Finlee 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (which is around $15.00 Australian dollars) and asked Finlee to hand this to the taxi driver and to tell him “we hope his day gets better.”
Watching Finlee (who is 6 years old) hand the money to our driver was a special moment for me. The eyes that were earlier filled with sadness, had joy. He smiled at Finlee and just sat there holding the money. After a few moments, he kept saying “thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.”
Teaching Kindness to Our Kids
As I walked back to our hotel room, Finlee asked me “why mommy did you want me to tell the taxi driver that we hope his days gets better.” In simple 6 year old language, I explained to Finlee that sometimes life can be tricky and that people may need something special to make their heart feel nice. Finlee then said “did I make the taxi drivers heart feel nice with the money?” My response “yes Finlee John you made his heart dance and remember to always make others hearts dance if you can.”
In this instance, I had the opportunity to help someone out, but also to role model to my children random acts of kindness and how the power of kindness can make a huge difference to someone. It’s situations like this that will help shape our children and prepare them for the big world.
Kindness… the Power to Make People Smile
The second story is something that happened today, but ties in with the power of kindness.
I popped over to our local bakery to get something to eat. As I was standing in line ordering, this beautiful lady dressed in elegant, traditional African clothing asked in broken English “how much the sandwich was.” The employee replied “$5.80.” The lady with disappointment on her face looked at the ground and started to walk away. I quickly tapped her on the shoulder and asked her “would you like the chicken sandwich? Can I buy it for you?” Her smile said everything. Her big brown eyes looked up at mine and she shook her head with gratitude. I asked her “would you like a drink too?” She nodded and pointed to a can of diet coke. At this stage, she softly grabbed my arm and embraced me. There were no words needed. I understood she was thank-ful and she knew I was happy to help.
Change Happens with 1 One Person
I share these 2 examples, not get praise but rather to encourage you to do something kind for someone today, tomorrow or whenever you can. Start to teach your kids how to be kind just in general and when they can do something like leave a bigger tip, buy someone a cup of coffee, or even sign up for the Kids Pen Pal Program (helping to raise fund for girls in Africa and also they get a pen pal). I know I can’t save the world, but I can make the difference to one person at a time and so can you through kindness. Remember… 1 random acts of kindness per day can change the lives of 365 people.
