All of us have those ordinary days that pass without any incident happening that would help us to remember that day. Maybe not as often as we want — something happens — just a small act of kindness that changes that day and makes it one we won’t forget. Whether the act of kindness or act of love is one directed towards us, or one we gave to someone else, those moments can become unforgettable. Many of us have lost a wallet and when it was returned, oh, what a feeling of relief and gratefulness we felt.
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. A smile can induce another to smile, laughter can cause others to laugh and just these two things can make the day brighter to someone else. Just as pebble thrown in a river sends ripples going far beyond where it entered the water, so an act of kindness sends ripples out that touches others that we may never meet and can continue on, for one kind word or action can lead to another, and one good example follows another. Mother Teresa said, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.” Truly, kind words, good deeds and caring actions never stops with the act itself.
The Dalia Lama tells us that “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others and if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them”. This certainly applys when using words that can harm and cause trouble. As my Mother often told me, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It is mentioned many times in the Holy Bible that the tongue is sharper than the sword and can cut deep, causing wounds to the heart, but that pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Budda tell us, “When words are both true and kind, they can change the world.”
We are undulated with words, bad words, depressing words, words that can overwhelm us with frustration and hurt. It is the good words, the ones we speak to others because they come from the heart that heal and uplift. So, remember to always be kind and to be ready to do kindness to others. Let beauty and love live in your heart and be ready to share that beauty with others with words and deeds of loving kindness, or “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” Mother Teresa