Unexpected kindness
The following passage was written by Texas Children’s Chaplain James Denham.
I listen to a podcast every week called “Kind World.” It is an amazing and encouraging podcast that celebrates the simple acts, the ordinary moments, and the people that impact us through their kindness.
It has been so refreshing to hear during this time! And it reminds me of this quote by Bob Kerrey, that “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change. Kindness that catches us by surprise brings out the best in our natures.” I just love how this quote frames the stories I hear on the Kind World podcast.
I’m willing to bet that you have seen lots of kind moments that bring out the best of our natures during this time of the pandemic, whether you have noticed it or not. It may not be easy to sift through all of the political chatter, the relentless news of the virus, increasing numbers, and all sorts of other things.
But you have seen it, and I know you have experienced it. Our families are deeply kind people. Our staff are deeply kind people. A father who supplied laundry detergent for an entire floor of parents. The text from a family member saying “I love you.” A staff member who went and grabbed that medication for you. The family that orders Tiffs Treats in gratitude. The random expression of gratitude from your boss or coworker. Kindness is all over, if we are willing to be brave enough to see it.
Often it comes when you didn’t expect it, and the depth of love you experience from simple things is profound. I saw this recently. I walked into our chapel and saw a bunch of prayer cards on our Tree of Hope, which has been a home for the written prayers of staff and families since 2001. While I usually go in and look at a few each week, I noticed one that couldn’t be missed. It was very simple, very straightforward, and very powerful:
“Thank you. Thank you to everyone here!”
The kindness of those two phrases resonated deeply in my spirit. Thank you, because you have a purpose here. Thank you, because there are lots of people who made a difference. Thank you, because there aren’t any better words! I was so moved that someone came in and found two simple phrases that could touch us all in the midst of all that surrounds us. Thank you. This person, staff or family member or patient, expressed the kindness that catches us by surprise and truly is the greatest agent of human change. It was a random note of appreciation but gave me strength for the day that I needed … and so do you. You are a part of this kind world.
Thank you. Thank you to everyone here at Texas Children’s Hospital. You are One Amazing Team.