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Volume CXVIII, No. XXIII |
December 8, 2005 |
Consider small acts of kindness for small acts of kindness
What's the difference between a Johnnie and a Tommie?
A Johnnie is capable of reading that question on his own.
After that opening jab, I feel I need to make a disclaimer about the rest of this column: It's not humorous.
I'm sorry.
The stress of end-of-the-semester tests, papers and projects and its impact on us students got me thinking seriously.
So here's another question for you: What's the difference between taking 30 seconds to e-mail your stressed-out friend saying "Have a great day!" and not taking the time?
The catch to this question is that there is no answer.
At least, there is no way of knowing the answer. The impact of even a small, random act of kindness is immeasurable.
The value of a kind gesture can not be gauged by the giver, but only by the recipient.
And who knows what the recipient just experienced immediately before the kind gesture?
He or she might have just bombed an O-Chem test or gotten into a fight with a roommate.
Your kind act might catch your friend at the exact moment he or she needs a pick-me-up.
Or it might top off an already terrific day and put your friend in an extra cheerful mood that will help brighten someone else's day.
This much is certain: Kindness generates kindness.
As Fr. Michael Patella said in his homily last Sunday, "Small acts of generosity always lead to bigger ones."
Let's hear those words and be inspired. Let's make an effort in these last, busy days of the semester to be generous with ourselves and our kindness.
So here's a request: Make a list of three people you know who could use a pick-me-up.
Then think of a kind gesture each one would appreciate, and do it within the next week. Please.
I know it's an extremely busy time for everyone, and free-time and sleep are preciously rare.
But let that motivate you, not deter you. Any little kind act you can do for someone right now will be especially appreciated.
We'll all be in good moods on Dec. 21, with finals behind us and three and a half weeks of Christmas break in front of us. Until then, let's help each other get through the grind in good spirits.
It doesn't matter if you're incredibly stressed right now, you can still cheer up a friend with a hug, an e-mail or a lunch date.
In the profound words of George S. Merrian: "When your burden is heaviest, you can always lighten a little some other burden.
"There may be times when you cannot find help, there is no time when you cannot give help."
Now, if anyone could please help me down from this soap box I've been preaching from, I'd appreciate it. It sure wasn't my intent, and I'll try not to let it happen again.
Next time I'll stick to making fun of Bethel.
In the meantime, let's be thankful for the fact that as Johnnies and Bennies we can actually drink eggnog at Christmas.
And let's take the time to make a difference, in some little way, with our generosity and kindness.
