Every Day Kindness

I'm still participating in Every Day Kindess but I find that lately, its coming to me a little differently. Instead of trying to figure out ideas for these acts of kindness, I just make myself aware so that when an opportunity to be kind arises I'm on it!

My little sister Jenny did my hair this weekend at her place. I don't get over there often as I'm a good thirty minutes away, but I always enjoy our little visits when I do. When I walked in she looked tired. I took a quick glance around her living room and complimented her on how clean and orderly it looked. She laughed and told me that she frantically ran around picking up while I was on my way. Then she told me not to judge the appearance of her bedroom and laughed.

As I was waiting on my color to set in - yes, I color my hair occasionally - I walked into her bedroom to talk to her while she got ready for work. Now, Jen has always been a clutter bug, but this time it had gotten pretty out of control. She works more than most single parents I know and I can't imagine she has time to shower, much more keep her place spotless. I suddenly got the kindness fever...

While she fixed her hair in the bathroom, I grabbed her laundry basket and went to picking up all the clothes on the floor and other surfaces. I threw away anything that looked like trash. I hung up all her loose hangers in her closet. I grabbed glass cleaner and worked over her mirrors and windows. She looked around the corner at me and shrieked for me to stoopppp!!! but there was no stopping me! So that she wouldn't feel bad I just told her that I suddenly had the craziest urge to clean and didn't she get that way sometimes?? I told her too bad I wasn't home cuz my place could really benefit. My family has pride issues but I know how to get around them. :)

Within 10 minutes her bedroom and bathroom were spotless. I think having that extra hand really helped her get motivated. She saw me picking up and we suddenly had this funny little race going on to be the person to do the next cleaning item in need. We're tards like that.

Anyway, the photo at the top of the post is actually of my bedroom. It was a time when I was so busy that I just could not find the time to pick up after myself. I remember crying when I finally talked myself into finally doing it.

Acts of kindness are everywhere, just waiting for you to bring them to life. You just have to keep your eyes and hearts open. This weekend, my sister needed a merry maid and I was there to help her out. She thanked me of course, but the idea of her coming home from work that night to a spotless bedroom was enough for me.