Try a little kindness

And just like that, the sun began to set over the Gulf of Mexico. Oh, my goodness … look at the clouds.

Photo provided by Janet Hart Leonard

We were on our way home. It had been a long day, and we had no idea how much longer it would get.

You can believe whatever you want, but what I saw that night was a gift to my eyes as well as my heart. It was a gift from God. I had never seen clouds puff like they did that evening. I felt my heart smile. What if I had not looked out the window? What if I had not paid attention? I saw the kindness of God.

Remember how Mr. Rogers always said, “Look for the helpers”? I had a thought that evening. What if we look for kindness? What if we look for the things that hug our hearts? Kindness heals, Kindness whispers. Kindness hugs. The gestures are small and often overlooked. Lord, lead me not to be so oblivious.

That sunset reminded me that God shows up in our storms. I won’t argue why He allows them. I will say that He is a good God. I’ve seen His goodness during my storms. On Tuesday, we were in one.

My trip home on Tuesday was unexpected. We woke up that morning, and I could see my husband wasn’t feeling well. His eyes showed it first, then his cough. After we had our coffee, I told him I was calling Southwest Airlines, and we were both getting out of Tampa. He tried to argue his case, not wanting me to cut my visit short. His flight was later that day. I was determined to be on the same flight with him, even if it meant sitting in the last row beside a crying baby. (Please, Lord, no.)

As the day progressed, he sounded worse. I was calm and reassuring on the outside, but my insides were having a come-apart. Please, Lord, get us home quickly and without delays. Help my husband to be okay as we navigate our way home.

Southwest arranged wheelchairs at both airports. We only had a 30-minute delay. Upon landing, we went straight to the ER at Saxony, where the doctor confirmed my unqualified diagnosis … pneumonia. The sweet nurse gave us BOTH a warm blanket. At 2:15 a.m., we arrived home. Safe but exhausted.

We’ll be grounded for a bit at the Little House on the Alley, but it’s home. We will watch the birds, water our flowers, and enjoy a lot of sports – baseball, Fever basketball games, and golf. It’s a good life, as we often tell each other.

My bestie, Patrice, made us the most delicious Southwest Chicken Soup. She is so kind.

A handyman came to look at a possible upcoming project. He noticed a loose board on our steps. I heard him putting a nail in it to secure it. He might have just nailed our use of him for the job. He showed us a simple kindness.

Life is sweeter when we look for the kindness of people. It’s there.

Glen Campbell wrote a song way back in 1970. Its lyrics hold true today. You may want to Google them: “Try a Little Kindness.”

You see, kindness doesn’t shout about its goodness. It whispers. It shows up in the unexpected acts of people. There is so much kindness in the world … if we choose to look for it.

On Tuesday evening, I saw the kindness of God. He knew I needed a reminder of His goodness. For the past few days, I have seen the kindness of others. I heard the whispers of kindness. I saw the acts of kind people.

Never think that trying a little kindness doesn’t matter. My husband and I will be glad to remind you and God might remind you with a sunset and a few puffy clouds.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). Visit janethartleonard.com.