When was the last time you did a kind act for someone else, or when was the last time someone did something nice for you? What you did, who was involved, and how you reacted makes you…you!
As we look over our years on this planet, we can probably count the number of times someone actually did something special and totally unexpected for us. A thoughtful, considerate kindness that took you off guard. It may have even created an emotional response from you.
I was fortunate to be a recipient of one of these unexpected events recently.
While visiting my niece and her family, she had dinner for my twin and me as we have a birthday in a few weeks. It was a small affair for the immediate family of in-laws, niece, nephew, and their young children. After bringing out an unexpected birthday cake and the usual singing, our niece presented both uncles with large matching gift bags. The gift bags were light in weight, and we could not imagine what she would be giving us.
To our surprise, in each bag was a blue teddy bear in a band uniform. What made the gift so unexpectedly wonderful? What is the significance of this uniquely dressed bear? Our sister-in-law was preparing to move, and our niece was going through boxes to see what to donate. What she found was our deceased older brother’s drum major uniform from high school! How did his uniform get on the bear? A local neighbor was known for making teddy bears out of any material. Our niece had taken the uniform to her neighbor, and she made not one but two bears! A large heart was on the back of each bear with a note of endearment from our brother.
We were overwhelmed with a flood of memories of our brother, our high school days, and naturally performing with our brother in the marching and symphony band. It caused quite an emotional moment. It was simply ….an incredible and thoughtful kindness.
So, when was the last time you did something nice and thoughtful for someone? If it’s been a while, it’s never too late to start. Because these are the events in our lives that make you…you!