As I packed for a pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland, I was apprehensive about how the local people would welcome us Americans. Our president certainly hasn’t helped our international reputation. I decided that it couldn’t hurt to throw in my Canadian sweatshirt!
I quickly learned that there was no need to worry. As a friend struggled with her luggage outside the Dublin airport, two workmen came up behind her, asked if they could help and whisked it across the parking lot.
As I paid for groceries at Testco in Kildare, the cashier waved over a customer in the next lane and asked her to share her Clubcard, so that I could save a few pennies. The woman scurried over and happily obliged.
When Mark left his Cubs hat (C’mon, Mark – talk about being an obvious American!) in a restaurant on the Isle of Iona, a server chased him all the way to the pier to return it.
Again and again, the Irish and Scottish people met us with surprising acts of kindness.
Now that I’m back in Chicago, it seems pretty simplistic to write about kindness. Every single day, the headlines announce more violent and cruel actions. Is it possible that our acts of kindness may be an antidote to our authoritarian regime?
What would happen if I became more intentional about practicing kindness? With loved ones? Strangers? Our planet?
What would happen if we became more intentional about practicing kindness? With loved ones? Strangers? Our planet?
I don’t know, but perhaps kindness is what this world needs right now.
What acts of kindness have you noticed lately?
With hope,
Bridget
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