I watched EVAN ALMIGHTY this past weekend, and apart from laughing and grinning because we've all been in that place where our best laid plans arouse nothing but laughter from the universe, I discovered something so freaking profound I had to share it. And you should share your story too.
Pat yourselves on the back!
In the movie, Al Mighty (aka Morgan Freeman, or God) says to the leading lady, "When you ask for patience, does God give your patience? Or does he give you a chance to be patient? When you pray for courage, does God give you courage or an opportunity to be courageous?"
Wait, before you laugh... Please think about the profundity of that statement. Then think about the other line in the movie: How do you change the world? One act of random kindness (ARK) at a time.
In short, if you put the two together, God doesn't make us kind, he gives us opportunities to be kind.
That is so true. A smile, a kind word, holding a door open, even these small things can bring a smile to someone's face, and can brighten a day. Did you give a dollar to that beggar? (God knows they're out there.) Did you help your neighbor trundle that heavy piece of lumber into his garage? Did you take that stray dog to your home and post an ad trying to get him back to his owners? Did you wipe away a child's tear? Or tell your spouse how wonderful they look today? Did you tell anyone that you're grateful they're part of your life?
Did you walk away from your keyboard and deal with some little thing that helped someone out?
If so, pat your back here and tell us about it. Because those little things, if practiced by all of us, would indeed change the world.
Complaining is easy. The gratitude part is hard. And every little kindness counts.
Edit 1: MKSinSA deserves a big pat on the back for helping a neighbor with her yard tomorrow. Thank you MKSinSA for making my day!
Edit 2: A big back pat to luckylizard for making cashiers smile. They really need that kindness.