“Love is patient, love is kind.” (I Corinthians 13:4a NIV)
As a five year old I lived on 27th Street, a few houses down from Pat and William. Pat and I were the same age. Her brother was a couple of years older. After moving right before being enrolled in kindergarten, I did not see Pat or William until we found ourselves attending the same high school. William was a wrestler, a good one two. As a matter of fact he lettered in more than one sport. Occasionally I would stay around school to watch wrestling matches and I would sit with Pat and William’s mother. More than once she would ask me to go to the drugstore just across the south parking lot at the high school to pick up pork fritter sandwiches for her and her children. To my delight, she would also buy me one. Now these were the days when drugstores had a grill and you could place food orders and but even by handmade malts. To some of you reading this, these are the old days, back in time. However to anyone my age or close to it, these were the good old days when a sandwich was a “samich!” The diameter and circumference of the pork fritter sandwich was double the size of grilled sandwiches that you buy at famous fast food restaurants today. Yes, these sandwiches were really big and for me personally, when Pat and William’s mother treated me that was my best meal of the day! Wasn’t she kind?
That’s my focus for today, “kindness.” I want to challenge you to go spread some kindness today by doing some unexpected act to benefit someone else. It does not have to be a “samich.” It can be a telephone call to encourage someone. You might decide to give a ride to a co-worker who you see walking home or standing on the bus stop. You might even go as far to be a “Good Samaritan” to someone you don’t know or perhaps you will help a neighbor rake and bag his/her leafs for no charge. A simple smile at someone who is used to seeing your face stern, serious, and stiffened with a straight face, adorned with adamant, unbending lips and an emotionless gaze; your smile may be intentional act of kindness that builds up someone feeling of self-worth. You will come up with something! Go spread kindness today and make an impression like Pat and William’s mother made on me when a sandwich was a “samich!” Your deed of kindness will dear and the duration of your act will last for a life time. Be blessed!
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” (Proverbs 11:17 NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
These daily meditations can now be found on markwritesdaily.com.