Reflecting on random acts of kindness

Note: Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Sister Paula Modaff shares her thoughts on the day.

During the 26 years I lived and ministered in California, one of the ways I amused and distracted myself when I was stuck in traffic on the freeway was to read the bumper stickers on the backs of the cars that passed me in the other lane or that were right in front me.

Three of them stand out in my memory: “Don’t tell ME what kind of a day to have.” “The one who dies with the most toys wins.” And my favorite: “Do random acts of kindness, senseless acts of love.”

A short while ago, our Sister Denise Wilkinson reflected on the merits of hugs. For sure, acts of kindness include hugs and so many other deeds.

Personally, what always lifts my spirits is a warm, sincere smile from someone I might meet on my way. I have been the recipient of persons who have opened a door for me when they see me approach.

Being Helpful is what Matters

A few months ago, outside of a doctor’s office, I was struggling to put my rollator in the back seat of the car. A gentleman approached and offered to assist me. I gratefully accepted his invitation.

After the deed was accomplished and I had thanked him profusely, he remarked: “I was hesitant to ask you because the last time I attempted to help a woman, she yelled at me and said that she was not helpless and to leave her alone.”

I responded by saying that no matter how someone reacts to an offer of kindness, our intention to be helpful is what really matters.

Accepting offers of assistance has not come easily to me. I tend to be independent and being an introvert, prefer to be self-sufficient.

In the last few years, my physical condition has become increasingly fragile. That diminishment has enabled me to welcome acts of kindness and to be entirely grateful for them.

I do not allow anyone to assist me if I am able to do the task myself. And still I welcome another person’s thoughtfulness when I am aware that I need support.

Senseless Acts of Love

Senseless acts of love for me include picking up a piece of trash or a deceased insect on the floor, changing the toilet tissue roll before it is completely out and a replacement is not in reach, closing a cupboard door in the kitchen when someone has absent mindedly left it open.

No one needs to notice what I do; I am filled with joy simply to do it.

St. Therese of Lisieux wrote that picking up a common pin from the floor with love was one powerful way of changing the world for good.

Mother Teresa of India was asked what the ordinary person could do to make the world a better place. She replied: “Smile at the people with whom you live.”

Our own Saint Mother Theodore emphasized over and over again that love of everyone “without exception of persons” is primary.

‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’

Perhaps one of the most obvious practices of kindness and love is the use of the phrases “please” and “thank you.”

I am usually quite good about remembering to thank and often I forget to add a please to my requests. It takes practice and I know it is worth it.

Remember to do random acts of kindness and senseless acts of love for yourself.

“Whatever you do to the least, you do to Me.” – Matthew 25:40