"You're unfailingly kind
. . . a trait people never fail to under value, I'm afraid."

Professor Dumbledore
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Last weekend I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince with my family, and this particular quote got lodged into my brain and I have not been able to shake it out.  To me, it was a poignant commentary on today's societal values and it made me want to rebel against the norm and encourage revolt in others ;-).

Kindness should be highly valued. . . taught, encouraged, and adequately rewarded;  instead, it is often looked upon as a "quaint" characteristic, and one that is easy to exploit.

Awhile ago I read a book, The Fred Factor, in which the main character is an unusually kind postman who took serving the needs of others seriously - seeking ways to subtly or substantially impact the lives of others.  In the coming year, I am issuing a challenge to you to be like "Fred"  -  be intentional about your service and kindness, look beyond your own needs and serve the needs of others.  It is so intrinsically rewarding - your life will be changed as you positively influence the lives of others. And, if you see kindness in others, take time to appreciate it.

You know what else?  This is a Biblically sound principle (probably no surprise . . . )

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." -  Galatians 5:22-23

Let's make kindess a "HIGHLY VALUED TRAIT" in 2010.

Here is a personal story of "small change" . . . big reward.

I work with a great team at Infusionsoft.  We have a cool atmosphere and my fellow Infusionites (and I) are passionate about helping small businesses use our marketing automation software to grow their businesses through consistent, appropriate follow up. Well, this hard work makes us rather thirsty sometimes  ;-) and Infusionsoft has supplied us with a soda machine - a quarter a pop.

In the fall, after my family had a moving sale, I had an abundance of quarters laying around the house.  Instead of changing the quarters to paper money or carrying around a jingly purse, I filled up a coffee mug with this change, took it to work, and set it out for everyone to dip into.  To me, this was no big deal - it was a small way to show appreciation and kindness to my team.

It has been really fun to see people partake in the quarters.  Some will ask if they can have one (even though no asking is required).  Some will try to just get change for a dollar (even though no dollar is required).  And, everyone is very thankful (even though no thanks is expected).  I love having those quarters on my desk and I expect that I will keep that cup full of quarters.

Let's Talk.  Share some gestures of kindness that have meant a lot to you or ones that have meant a lot to others . . . more than you anticipated.