The DC metro area experienced its first big storm of this winter this past Wednesday, followed by the usual traffic hassles. A friend of ours was also caught up in snowy mess that snarled traffic in this area for hours. As he stood by his vehicle that refused to move on the icy road, a car pulled up and the young driver asked if he needed a ride. That young man took him to his own house and then along with his wife, eventually dropped our friend to his house at about midnight! And there are numerous "feel-good" stories like this one. People paying for gas for a complete stranger because the gas station only accepted cash that stormy day, others helping stranded commuters in a variety of ways. Makes you feel good, doesn't it? In a world full of cynicism and "to each his own" mentality, these kind of stories and anecdotes are refreshing.
Its a well known fact that during times of adversity, people will come together and go the extra mile to help fellow human beings. How about during 'normal', day-to-day, routine times? If we all show each other just 10 percent of the civility, kindness and courtesy that comes up spontaneously during tough times, would the world be a kinder, gentler place?
A lot of times, my day starts on a good note just because somebody opens the door for me as I walk into my office building and says "Have a great day!" with a smile. That attitude is contagious and catches on. Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns. One part of living a perfect day would be to do something for someone who, you know, will never be able to repay you.
"Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true." ~ Robert Brault
.
