Musings: Mom? Tell Me About Kindness…

I learned from Mom today that it is National Random Acts of Kindness Day. A day to show unexpected kindness to another. But, I’m puzzled and asked Mom why does there need to be a special day for kindness, shouldn’t kindness be shown every day?

I know from my own experience as a puppy that people aren’t always kind. When I was a little puppy I lived in a place where I was scared most all the time and when I was only five months they made me have puppies. I was too young and it was scary. Not long after these people must have decided I wouldn’t be a good puppy Mom and I was adopted by people who only kept me for a few weeks. They had health issues and they couldn’t handle a bundle of energy like me. So, I became a disposable puppy and was abandoned in a kill shelter. The thought of how close I came to dying as a young puppy still brings my Mom to tears. I didn’t understand how people could be so unkind. But soon, some very caring and kind people at JourneyHome Rescue saved my life. I was taken in by my Foster Mom where I lived and was loved for almost three months. She showed me so much kindness and she helped me learn that I was worthy of being loved. It was my Foster Mom who helped find me my forever home where I now live. A place where I not only experience kindness, but also love, every day.

Mom said I was a very smart puppy to ask this question – that yes, she believes that every day we should show kindness to all creatures, humans, animals and even plants. (But she said it was okay not to show this to spiders – Mom does not like spiders!) Mom explained that when we show kindness to others it warms their heart to know someone cares, but it also warms the heart of the one who has cared. She asked me if I understood. Then she told me to remember the first time I was held by my Foster Mom or by my Forever Mom and Dad – could I remember how warm this felt in my heart? She said that when she and Dad held me for the first time, they felt this same warmness in their heart, something she called unconditional love, the ultimate act of genuine kindness.

Mom helped me understand that showing kindness is something people are usually taught as children, but sadly not everyone has a good teacher to learn kindness. Mom explained that the origin of kindness comes from something people call “The Golden Rule”. I didn’t know what this meant. But she explained “The Golden Rule” is based on the concept to treat others the way you want to be treated. It sounds so easy, but Mom explained that for many people they have never learned this very basic concept or maybe they forgot its importance along the way.

Mom shared something she had read by an important person – Maya Angelou. This is: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Mom said this is the reason that every day we need to be aware of what we do and how this makes someone else feel. The smallest comment or act can bring someone down. But even the smallest act can help build someone up. It is about doing something that the other person doesn’t expect. It is about being kind with no expectation of anything in return.

I asked Mom and Dad what they did today that was special. She shared how today they went to our local police department and took them donuts and a note to say thank you. She explained it is also her nephew’s birthday today and he is one of the brave police officers they want to help make feel special. She said that with all the challenges in the World right now, being thanked for doing one’s job will make them feel good and that people care. Very cool Mom and Dad! And I hear that donuts are their favorite treats!

Mom had me think about what I might do as a puppy to be kind to others. Well – I can bark less at our neighbors; and for my brothers, I can make sure I let them have the treats first and even though this will be hard for me, seeing how happy they will be, will make me feel happy. For Dad, this is harder. My Dad is always so kind and I already spend lots of time loving him. But, I know! I can surprise him by sharing my new prized giraffe toy and I will sleep next to him even more tonight. He won’t expect me to share this with him and I know he will love being able to play with this and have me close too!

So, what random act of kindness did you show today?