Sneaky kindness
I love surprising people. And I love it when people don’t realize I’m the one responsible for the surprise. I celebrate the time I have left acting as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, or the tooth fairy. I admit, there may not be many more years of that left in our house. But even when those days are over, I know I’ll still practice sneaky kindness.
What is sneaky kindness? It’s performing random, or not-so-random, acts of kindness completely anonymously (or while attempting to not get caught). These acts of kindness can look vastly different. They don’t have to be grand gestures. Sometimes they’re so small they only take a moment. But you never know the impact it may have on another.
We often don’t know what someone’s day looks like, what they may be experiencing in their lives, or what stressors or uncertainties they’re facing. I think about that a lot when I’m in the car. If I’m stopped at a stoplight, sometimes I’ll look at the stranger in the car beside me and find myself wondering. ‘Who are they? What just happened before they got in that car? What challenges are they currently facing in their lives? What is something that brings them joy?’ These ponderings help open me up to more altruistic acts.
Altruism is the unselfish concern for other people—doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or any expectation of reciprocity. Plain and simple – it’s acting out of concern for the well-being of other people.
Neurobiologists have found that doing good deeds activates the reward centers in the brain and these positive feelings reinforce altruistic behaviors. Basically, doing good deeds makes you happy and makes you want to do more good deeds. I’m not finding the downside in that.
A handful of years ago, someone anonymously left an envelope with a notecard in our mailbox. The notecard read: “Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.” That little sneaky bit of kindness still holds a big place in my heart. It arrived on our doorstep during a particularly challenging time and that 4×6 black and gold note lit up my soul that day. It’s prominently displayed on our refrigerator as a reminder of the goodness and kindness of others and as a reminder to share similar kindnesses with others.
Kindness is mentioned all over the Bible. One, in fact, was mentioned just this past weekend. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Or in Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
As we go about the rest of our weeks, as we put on our hearts of kindness, think about ways to bring a little kindness, known or unknown, sneaky or not, to friends, family, and even strangers. We all have the power to be ninjas of joy.
-Jessica Taylor, director of communication
Dave Farr
Agreed .. We all have the Power to be Ninjas of Joy…
Thank you Jessica… Your thoughtful words have shined a light on my soul today…
Lynn Pettit
Open Hearts = Radical Hospitality‼️
D a ve DeWit
You can leave me a candy egg any old time!
Marcia Willi
Yes Vicki, I would certainly agree
Vicki Felger
“Ninjas of joy”….what an awesome phrase and a truly something worthy of our efforts! Jess, your smile and kindness towards everyone provides a gentle warmth around the St. Paul house!! You are a ninja of joy! : )