generosity
Unseen acts of kindness
On Sunday evening this week a young friend of mine died, at home, surrounded by her family, as she wished. She’d been having treatment for advanced cancer for two years and was on palliative care for three weeks. Staff from our local hospice had been coming in and out to care for her three times a day, and during the last week, over and above their care sessions, they twice stayed with her for two hours allowing the family secure time out. This all happened unseen and unheralded. So kind and compassionate.
On Friday night my son-in-law booked into a hotel in Northumberland in readiness for an early start running the Rat Race 100 mile ultramarathon from Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle. In his case it was all in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, and he was astonished when the proprietor gave him a generous donation to the cause. Another kind act, unseen and unheralded.
Just two examples of the thousands of lovely quiet acts of kindness that rarely make the headlines, but warm the cockles of the heart and make a huge difference to the recipients and the world we live in.
In these times where every news bulletin brings us tales of barbarity and inhumanity, let’s celebrate the enormous amount of generosity and kindness in the world, part of its charm and effectiveness being its quiet unsung nature.
Christmas greetings
Christmas blessings to you all whatever your circumstances.
If you are currently facing devastating loss or grief,
may you be given the strength and courage to go on.
If your life is a spiral of stress and anxiety,
may you find a way through to a calmer, more peaceful place.
If you are subject to oppression or rejection or abuse,
may you be helped to a place of safety and security.
If life is currently treating you kindly and you have all you need,
may these blessings continue, valued and appreciated.
If you are fortunate enough to enjoy a super-abundance of health and resources,
may you have the generosity to share wisely.
If you are in a position of power,
may you use it for the greater good and towards a fairer world.
‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.’
