Were You Kind to Someone this Week?

Did you know that World Kindness Week was just this past seven days? Were you aware that the world observed World Kindness Day on Wednesday, Nov. 13?

Were you kind to someone specifically on that day? Were you kind to people throughout the week?

We hope so.

On Nov. 13, 1997, humanitarian groups across the globe came together and created a declaration of kindness, beginning World Kindness Day. One day has since become a week-long celebration of goodwill for all.

During the week, people are encouraged to contribute an act of kindness and charity. Maybe donate books to a library or give food or clothing to places where those in need will be able to utilize those items.

Here at the Woods, many might believe World Kindness Week is celebrated year-round. And for the most part, it is.

But when Sister Donna Butler feels overwhelmed, she turns inward.

“When I’m stressed, I start being kind to myself,” she admitted. “It helps me to go outside and be in nature. Being around all of that beauty.”

She will also take time to write e-cards to other Sisters of Providence and Providence Associates to help cheer them up when they need it most.

Sister Donna also enjoys turning the pages of the book “5001 Simple Things to do for others (and Yourself),” which was published by Liguori Publications when she needs a pick-me-up.

She also turns to her writings. She penned a reflection about a young Jewish woman, Etty Hillesum, who died in a concentration camp, after reading her book, “Etty Hillesum: An Interrupted Life the Diaries, 1941-1943 and Letters from Westerbork.” The reflection included her admiration for Hillesum.

“Be with me, Etty. Bless me with your presence in my life journey and foster in me those amazing sturdy gifts of spirit that you packed for your journey. Violence still persists and your gifts are desperately needed today. Guide me on your path,” Sister Donna wrote.

For Sister Donna, being kind to others starts with looking inside oneself.

“We need to thank people for things they do every day that we take for granted,” she said. “When you bring kindness into a day, it’s like dominoes. It helps that person want to do something for someone else.”

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-5:1

“Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.’” – Luke 6:35

Were you kind to someone this week? There’s still time. World Kindness Week ends on November 17.