Be Kind

Written for https://lindaghill.com/2023/07/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-29-2023/

Kindness costs nothing.

When you walk past a homeless person, on the streets, we can be reluctant to put any money in their box. Probably because, we think, or judge, that they are going to spend it on drugs or alcohol. For some that is probably true, however addiction is something nobody can understand, unless they are going through something similar.

Are we quick to judge? Probably. I always go with the idea ”there for the grace of God go I”. We don’t know what has led them to being homeless. I am lucky, have my own home and no threat to losing the roof over my head. Yes, there are weeks when I am worrying about the electric bill, or getting food when my wages don’t last a whole month. Or wondering how I am going to get a skip to get rid of the rubbish from clearing my garden, but that is a first world problem.

Do I worry about being so cold, that I could die on the streets. No, I don’t, and that is why I am lucky. I have a good family, and we help each other out. When I couldn’t get a pair of shoes for a wedding I am going to, it was my daughter who pointed out the ”Sharing the Kindness” Facebook page.

If you pass by someone, outside the shops, kindness would mean you buy something to eat inside, or a hot drink when it is cold. We don’t all have to be rich to show that sort of kindness to a stranger. More often than not, they will be thankful someone has taken the time to think of them. I am reading a book about a mother, with several jobs, still not able to pay the rent. How many people are in her situation? I wish fiction wasn’t fact, but it is.

So, share the kindness, if you can, and someone will be thankful you were there.