Listening to the morning news can be discouraging, but I believe a multitude of people is quietly going about their business, unnoticed in the world, doing good things. I hope you’ll consider your daily walk, and discover small ways to bless those around you.

I’m thankful I work in a public library where it’s easy to be kind. No effort is needed to leave a homeless person in peace as he enjoys a comfortable chair in a safe environment. A silent prayer is lifted and I ask God to meet his needs.

No teenage girl ever feels comfortable in her skin. A genuine compliment will cause posture to straighten and a smile to bloom from ear-to-ear. Someday she’ll be a woman and needs to know she is uniquely beautiful and talented. Satan is a liar. Be the one to speak the truth in her ear.

Bored young men can be a problem, but they’re given more than one chance to be less rowdy. It’s much safer inside the library than on the streets. A little noise means life and that’s a good thing. Silence is highly overrated in our public library.

Loneliness shadows many people. To be called by name and greeted as a friend pushes back the darkness. Everyone has a story to share and I have time to listen.

The harried mom who looks worn out needs encouragement. Young mothers are my heroes and they need to know no one gets everything right. Every parent wants the best for their children, and it’s rare I offer advice. But I want everyone to know the best thing they can do for their children is to turn them over to the Lord. Uncurl your fingers. His loving arms will meet each and every need.

An addict is provided with a pamphlet and a silent petition for healing. I’ll never know how God will answer my prayers, but I trust He will.

Few will tell you of their pain, and many hide behind a thin veneer. Let kindness be your response in any situation.  The meanest person needs the gifts of love and forgiveness the most. Don’t allow hateful words to pierce your heart. Lift yourself above the chaos by silently praying for the injured. Perhaps your petition will lead to healing and restoration.

I’m often in a hurry, but sometimes God wants me to slow down and allow another person to check out first at the grocery. It cost me nothing to offer this small kindness.

My home-life is more peaceful if I don’t complain when someone leaves the hammer on the counter. Silence is a better response than griping. Or perhaps, a thank-you for doing the task which required the tool is the best response.

There are so many chances to shower others with blessings if only I’ll take the time to notice the work God placed before me. His to-do list is much more important than mine.

If kindness is lacking in your world, perhaps you can start a movement. Take the time to notice those around you and discover ways you can demonstrate grace and goodness. I choose to believe everyone is doing the best they can and it’s never my place to judge them. God did not list judgment in the Ten Commandments.

If I’ve learned anything worth sharing, it’s this. Choosing kindness instead of indifference is a two for one experience because showing gentleness is always a blessing.  I’ve also chosen meanness and been left more wounded than the victim. It’s a curse I don’t have to experience. The decision is mine.

Love and hate can spread like a virus. The choice is ours.

If love and goodness are missing from your world, I hope you’ll consider my experience, and let a kindness epidemic start with you.