A Spark of Kindness Starts a Fire of Love
St Mother Teresa of Kolkata began her charitable mission among the poorest of the poor in the slums of Kolkata with barely any resources. Often she had to beg to feed the scores of destitutes she picked up from the streets. On one such mission, a trader was so annoyed with Mother Teresa that he rudely spat on her outstretched hand. Without any anger in her eyes, she wiped the spittle and said to the man, “Brother, you have given me what is meant for me. Now please give me something else for my suffering brethren.” The man was so taken up by her attitude that he supported her cause for many years.
Kindness makes a person place others before self. It is not a fancy luxury we allow ourselves but a fundamental responsibility as humans. In a world torn apart due to conflict, an act of kindness can make a world of difference. There is no tranquiliser more effective than a kind word and a good deed. You may not be able to make a difference to the whole world in your lifetime; but an act of kindness can definitely make a difference to one person.
The best thing about kindness is that it is always paid forward. The recipient of kindness will show kindness to others. Therefore, decide now that whoever comes to you will go away happy.
Rotary teaches us to do exactly that in our thoughts, words and deeds. From the smallest project at the club level to the largest endeavours of The Rotary Foundation, Rotarians perform acts of kindness to others.
