Being on the receiving end

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“Unless we give part of ourselves away, unless we can live with other

people and understand them and help them, we are missing the most

essential part of our own lives.”

-- HAROLD TAYLOR

“Goodwill to others ... helps build you up. It is good for your

body. It makes your blood purer, your muscles stronger, and your

whole form more symmetrical in shape. It is the real elixir of life.”

-- PRENTICE MULFORD

In last week’s column, I wrote about the bumper sticker that

reads, “Practice random acts of kindness.” I’ve realized since then,

that whether or not the acts are random, we all benefit from

receiving as well as performing kind gestures.

I’ve heard from several readers and am happy to report, as one

reader said, many people are part of the “Team of Goodwill Efforts to

Others.” I appreciated hearing about the positive gestures in people,

because we see and read about so many negative acts toward others,

whether it is in the devastation of war or harsh words to one

another. I think that both positive and negative actions can have a

snowballing effect that gathers more of the same, so we all need to

hear more of the positive.

I heard about a man at a car wash who gave the woman in line

behind him his card with a free car wash. Apparently when she first

objected, he said someone had done that for him and he was eager to

return the favor.

On a recent morning, I walked by and saw a man in a market parking

lot approach a woman and point out that her tire pressure was low,

and told her to go to the nearby gas station and how much air her

tires needed. He did not need to do that, but it was reassuring to

know that people still look out for one another.

One day recently, I drove past two cars pulled to the side of the

road, and recognized that one belonged to some neighbors who no

longer live here. I circled back and talked with them and realized

that a wonderful neighbor named Mary had seen them, pulled over and

changed her plans so that she could help in whatever way possible,

which included driving them to the airport. I know of many instances

where people have cooked meals or done extra marketing or errands to

help others in whatever way possible.

I love seeing young children step up in caring ways. Last week at

church, I watched a girl dressed in a pink dress and pink sandals

pour herself some ice water. As she turned to go her way, she noticed

the young boy behind her struggling to fill his cup. She put hers

down and helped him.

I later saw a boy pick up a man’s papers when he dropped them.

Parents make the best teachers of all when it comes to the subject of

kindness, and I could tell that those children learned their lessons

at a young age.

Happily, I have heard more positive acts than this column can

hold, but let us all keep them coming and be sure to ask God what we

can best do for others. After all, God created us as part of an

extended family, and He knows best what we can do for one another.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.