Sunday, February 18, 2007

Good Things Are Contagious Too...

I love how a good mood or sweet spirit is every bit as contagious as the stomach virus that struck my best friend's husband this Saturday (and prevented a prolonged visit and play date with my nieces; I had to settle for dropping off cupcakes and a CD). I like to think that random acts of kindness, compliments, and the like are contagious, and this music video reminded me of how love and happiness can spread. Kathryn posted it on her blog a long time ago, and I ran across it again today and wanted to share.


I especially love how the smallest things can make me smile all day; in high school, a cafeteria menu that included tacos or barbecue made my day (these were the only two things I would risk eating). My friend M discovered I'd never had a pomengrante, so he delivered one to my office with a clever note on a narrow strip of paper wrapped around it. That simple act slapped a smile across my face for the rest of the day. Hearing my niece Alaina say something that is incredibly thoughtful and sweet makes me happy too. Or the colorist telling me that my niece Lauren and I look so much alike. And while I do my ocassional kind acts, I should do a lot more. It's so easy. So I'm challenging myself this week to do something intentional and kind every day this week--more than complimenting others and being appreciative; I want to do acts that take a little bit more time and thought than that. And in reality, it's a selfish undertaking because being kind is something that we makes us feel all warm and fuzzy too.

Speaking of warm and fuzzy, it was so hard to come back after a weekend with my nieces. We
painted pottery yesterday with their mom and just generally had a lovely time. I'll have to go back soon to see our finished products.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this! It should inspire all of us. My church is doing a series called "Salt and Light" so I took another meaning from it as to how I can be a light to other people. I prayed about it last night before I went to bed, and woke up this morning to find this.

anne said...

I was just thinking yesterday about how I was younger, I started every week by coming up with exciting and intereting things to look forward to during the upcoming week. It made everything seem better, more interesting and grateful.

Ally said...

Anonymous: I think you're Kimberly, but either way your church message sounds great. And so does your intepretation of the video.

e.b.: That was a really smart exercise. Our outlook can totally change our week/attitude.

Anonymous said...

No, I'm not Kimberly, but maybe she and I go to the same church - North Point, which I think you know. Andy's latest series has been fantastic!

Whine Girl said...

I love random acts of kindness... I always feel great after doing something so simple.. (and kind) for someone.

Anonymous said...

I got an email from my niece last night telling me she pulled another tooth and how my parents are going to give her money. I'm amazed that an 8 year old knows how to email but I thought it was the sweetest thing to read!

I like nice people. It's hard to find KINDNESS. Good for you!

ReadItDaddy said...

What a beautiful post. Reminds me that the first thing I need to do once I take delivery of my new car on saturday is pile round to Sis's, wish her a belated happy birthday and see my niece and nephew (and of course see what neat new toys they have, as every time I go round there it's more like FAO Schwarz every visit)

Peej
x

Kimberly said...

I can't wait until I have an awesome niece or nephew to spoil! (Did you know my sister in law is due August 30?)!!!! Yours are adorable and it's obvious they LOVE their awesome aunt. Thanks for the reminder that random acts of kindness are sooooo important!

Douglas said...

Super Cute photos. Kids are so damned fun.

megabrooke said...

Sounds like a fun weekend! I like the video:) Random acts of kindness are so wonderful.

Aaron said...

Thank you for your act of kidness. It was very much appreciated.

Ally said...

Anon: I just started listening to Andy's latest sermon, and I can already tell that it's incredibly relevant. It's an issue I think about a lot-in the context of work. Thank you for inspiring me to listen.

Jordan: Yes! And really random is especially fun. I am trying to think up some cool ideas.

FC&F: Very cool. My niece dictates e-mails to my mom to send to me! Isn't it fun to hear from them that way too?

Peej: You definitely do. I'm already itching to return to visit wtih my nieces.

Kimberly: I did not know that. How exciting!! You're going to learn that you're capable of an entire new "level" of loving. You'll be a wonderful aunt.

Allbilly: "Damned fun" pretty much sums it up.

Brookem: I'm hooked on that song/video!

Aaron: I'm glad.

kathrynthomas said...

glad you enjoyed. it's a great video. need to breathe are really nice guys. they've played at pour alot.