A little kindness goes a long way

Just Passing Through

On Facebook the other day was a calendar suggesting ways we could respond to the Advent season. Each day gave a different way to show kindness. It sounded so good. I shared it with all my friends — and yet not one of my friends has responded. Of course, I’ve been a little remiss but I’ve tried.

It’s been a week. I tried but I still had trouble getting some of it done. Dec. 1 I was supposed to give someone a hug or a compliment. Sounds easy. It was a Monday and I ran by the grocery store for some eggs and milk. Since it was the first day of the experiment, I was really enthusiastic. Maybe I was a little too enthusiastic. That young man in the produce department didn’t see me coming and dropped a whole box of oranges when I snuggled up behind him and gave him a big hug. I actually thought he was someone else but after I grabbed hold of him, I had to say something. “Merry Christmas,” I said. Wanting to include the compliment component, I added, “I’ve never seen anyone who could throw a box of oranges that far. You got one all the way to that egg display. Good job.” He was still staring at me as I gathered up a couple of the oranges and added them to my cart. It was the least I could do.

I changed my methodology as I went through my process the rest of that day. I said Merry Christmas first, and then hugged people. That way they had a warning. Only a couple of people were not thrilled by my outpouring of Advent kindness. That lady whose baby started crying was a little rude. The cashier who was coming on duty with a drawer full of change didn’t like it that I took the drawer away first. After all, with a drawer between us it was hard to hug.

I was hoping that the next day would be better. Tuesday suggested that I should let someone in front of me in line. The only opportunity I had for that was at McDonalds. No one was behind me when I placed my order. But just as I started to pull forward after paying, another car pulled up. I pulled over, got out of my car and motioned for the next car to go on. The woman had a car full of kids, so I knew she would appreciate my letting her go first.

However, she was a little indignant that my cup of coffee and McMuffin was all they gave her at the second window. It really threw a kink in the process. By the time we got it straightened out, the line stretched around the store, and I ended up with three happy meals and a chocolate milkshake.

Wednesday went better. I was supposed to buy a friend a cup of coffee. Of course, I had planned on a cheap cup of coffee, and when we got to the register, I realized she had ordered a double shot latte with whipped cream and sprinkles. So much for kindness.

By Thursday, I was doubting whether the “season” was worth celebrating. Nevertheless, I gave it a try. I was supposed to hold the door open for someone. I misunderstood the woman at the department store dressing room. I guess she wasn’t ready to come out.

Yesterday, I reached the end of that first week — maybe my last week of kindness. I was to give someone my full attention. This might be easy for someone who doesn’t suffer from ADD. I worked at it. I stared intently in their faces. I repeated what they said. It made some of the people so nervous that they walked away.

Maybe I’ll just go back to my usual “Advent-urous” self and not go over the top with that calendar. It’s Christmas and most of us don’t have time to be scurrying around looking for someone to bother.