Not so Random Acts of Kindness

I am guessing we have all heard the phrase "practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" which was?written by Anne Herbert?on a placemat in Sausalito, California in 1982. It is a beautiful encouragement which was penned?because she was tired of hearing on the news, ''senseless?acts?of violence."?But as much as I appreciate the thought, I was reminded there was an even better thing to do.??Practice well aimed, thoughtful acts of specific kindness!?Let me explain.

My wife and I were invited to my oldest son's future in-law's house for the weekend.?We had met Sam and Joanie a couple of times before here at our home.?We all went to PNC for a Pirate?game in August of '19. They knew we were big baseball fans, so they thought taking us to an Altoona Curve (a minor league?affiliate?of the Pirates) would be something?we would enjoy.?Which was awesome. They got tickets for Saturday night's game for us and almost 20 of their family. They were all so much fun!?When we got there and looked around the cool little stadium my baseball lover's heart was full.?I just love experiencing?new places. But then one of the family asked, "Do you want to throw out the first?pitch?" I laughed?and said sure, thinking they were kidding.?Until they responded?"Well, let's go down to the field because?you are!!"

For a fan like me, it was an awesome gift. So much fun!?What a thoughtful, personalized,?WELL AIMED, ACT OF SPECIFIC KINDNESS. For some people it would not have been much.?But for me, it was an awesome experience.?Thanks to Sam and Joanie, Andrew and Samantha, and the rest of the family!??

It may be just a reminder for you, but it is a good?lesson for me. When loving and serving your neighbor the best way to serve them is:

1) Get to know them by listening,

2) Think of ways THEY feel loved and appreciated.

3) The gift always seems best when shared in relationship, and,

4) Whatever you do, when it's from the heart, it means more.?It really is the thought that counts.

This week, PRACTICE WELL AIMED, THOUGHTFUL ACTS?OF SPECIFIC KINDNESS