Window Moments
He stood in the median of a busy shopping center intersection, keeping his head down while holding his sign up:
Homeless and harmless.
Anything helps.
Needed— A job. Prayer. Shoes or boots size 11.5. Things to help keep warm this winter.
His name is Marvin.
A steady flow of traffic raced past him as he seemingly blended in with the background. The light quickly shifted from green to yellow to red, and a shiny silver car screeched to a halt. The driver was inches away from this man in need.
They were worlds apart, yet separated only by a closed window.
The driver wasn’t rude. He didn’t look concerned. He simply didn’t look at all. He immediately grabbed his phone—maybe checked a text or searched for a song—and then off he went.
I didn’t think much of it while I observed this occurrence. But the image stayed with me throughout the day.
An opportunity to help, to connect with another person, is often that close. Right there on the other side of the window. It could be a stranger in our path during the day, or a family member living right under our roof. Regardless, we can be so consumed by our own agendas that we don’t look up or take action.
I’m certain there are plenty of times I miss these window moments. Times when that clear piece of glass might as well be a wall of bricks. When I’m not paying attention or I’m unwilling to step away from my comfort zone and my schedule. Maybe you have been there too.
As we move into the month of February, it’s the perfect time to focus on being more mindful and intentionally showing love to others. Deliberate, consistent kindness is a powerful way to fill our hearts as we look up and reach out.
In addition to Valentine’s Day, February 14th is also Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent as we prepare for Easter. Why not rally your family, church community, coworkers, or a group of friends for 40 days of kindness during Lent, or even 14 days of kindness leading up to Valentine’s Day.
You can find helpful ideas and resources for spreading kindness at http://www.acaseforkindness.com.
And…an exciting new addition to any kindness project is the recently released journal, Kindness Starts with Me! Check it out at https://www.amazon.com/Kindness-Starts-Journal-Signature-Journals/dp/1633261840
Please share your ideas for showing some extra love this month and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the new journal. Woohoo. I’ll reach out to the winners on February 7th.
Much love to you~
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12
A few fun dates to remember while spreading kindness this month:
February 4—National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
February 7—National Send a Card to a Friend Day
February 9—National Pizza Day
February 17—National Random Acts of Kindness Day
January 31, 2018 at 9:57 am
Lisa, I love your challenge, and always enjoy your writing. You have a BIG HEART!! Great for the Valentine challenge! I laughed when I read your Feb. 4th listing of “Thank your Postman”! Since the Girl Scouts have come out with their “Thank You” packages of cookies, I’ve bought 10 of these “thank You” labeled packages to bring a smile and my appreciation to 10 people in my life. My post “gal” has always gotten one of these, now I have a special day to leave this small token in my mailbox. And, of course, helping the Girl Scouts with their annual fundraiser, is an added kindness to think about! I love your journaling idea again. Thanks. Lisa, your blog is always inspirational to me. God Bless!!
January 31, 2018 at 11:03 pm
I am a big fan of the Thanks-a-Lots too Peg! They’re great to have on hand to show appreciation. Hope your mail carrier enjoys them. I’m sincerely happy to hear that the blog inspires you! Thanks for reading and commenting.
January 31, 2018 at 8:11 pm
I love the idea of doing an act of kindness with your partner or family as a way to share the love for Valentine’s Day! It’s a nice way to bring a little extra meaning to a “Hallmark holiday”!
January 31, 2018 at 10:58 pm
Thanks Amber!
January 31, 2018 at 9:15 pm
Lisa, I enjoy reading your blog and always come away with inspiration! The girls and I are going to make a list of kindness opportunities and do at least one each day during Lent. We are also going to make a chart and mark off a box to track how many acts of kindness we do in the 40 days. I’m looking forward to sharing our experience with y’all!
January 31, 2018 at 10:56 pm
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog Kelsey! This sounds great. I’m excited to hear about it.
January 31, 2018 at 9:53 pm
At a recent staff meeting, we talked about simple things people can do to make each others feel appreciated. Someone mentioned the importance of using first names. Instead of just a quick hi…try it using a first name too. A little extra cheer and love. What a simple way to show kindness and to make someone feel special and important!
January 31, 2018 at 10:54 pm
So true Amy. Using names makes such a difference. Thanks for sharing:)
January 31, 2018 at 10:01 pm
This is such a nice message, Lisa! And the journal looks beautiful:)
January 31, 2018 at 10:53 pm
Thank you!
January 31, 2018 at 10:09 pm
I always enjoy your blog! I am planning to make a Lenten kindness calendar for my classroom.
January 31, 2018 at 10:50 pm
That’s fantastic Michelle! Please share it in the Facebook group- Kindness Works. We would all love to see it!
February 1, 2018 at 11:33 am
I always love more ideas to help me (and my kids and grandkids) to pay attention to opportunities to be kind! I recently rediscovered a Guidepost magazine in a summer beach bag that had an article about a Brag Board. Family members have to write kind deeds they saw OTHERS do. It could easily be used during the February opportunities to “be aware of acts of kindness.” Here is a link to that article:
https://www.guideposts.org/friends-and-family/parenting/children/jen-hatmaker-on-the-benefits-of-positive-parenting
February 2, 2018 at 1:24 pm
Thanks for sharing this Nora! I love the concept of looking for kindness in others. It can definitely open our eyes to seeing the goodness all around us. I saw a bulletin board at a school once that was called “Caught Being Kind.” Students were asked to write on it when they witnessed kindness. So many fun ideas for engaging kids.
February 2, 2018 at 1:57 pm
We can express our love to others by being mindful to acknowledge the good we see them doing for others or for ourselves. Remember the ten lepers whom Jesus healed… and only one said “thanks?” Be sure to give words of affirmation, affection, or acceptance , which are basic needs of every individual… young or old so that they may feel needed, wanted and loved We can be the “ONE!”