By Brenda Cannon Henley
Most of you reading this column today have heard of NBC’s journalist Ann Curry starting a movement entitled 26 Acts of Kindness following the terrible tragedy in Connecticut just before Christmas. It was her idea to bring honor to a difficult and terrible situation when she found herself asking, “What can I possibly do?”

Perhaps you have also seen the commercial that is airing frequently where Curry looks directly into the camera and asks the question, “Are you in?” So many grieving Americans seemed to want to do something positive, but had no real idea of what they could do to benefit society. This tragedy is not like a natural disaster, a hurricane, flood, or fire where we can band together to send blankets, food, medicine, or household goods. In fact, I have read that the people in Connecticut have now asked that people not send any additional gifts because they have so many and have no additional places in which to put the gifts or the means to distribute them.

So, what can we in Southeast Texas do? How can we make a positive difference in the lives around us in these beginning days of 2013?

We can begin where we live. Think of a relative, friend, or neighbor that could use some cheer or help. Perhaps an elderly person needs to be driven to an appointment, or have a yard raked, or a meal shared to keep them from being so lonely. Just maybe a teen that we know needs a guiding conversation, a friendly chat, or a dinner away from the family. Younger children need folks to be a part of their lives when parents work busy schedules. Could we offer to take them for a treat at the local hamburger stand? Perhaps we could make an event out of going to the local ice cream parlor or a children’s play center.

Churches and schools are wonderful sources of helping to determine children and adults that have needs that we can help to meet. If you cannot think of someone to help on your own in this first month of the New Year, check with a counselor, minister, teacher, or staff member. It need not cost an extravagant amount of money. It is usually just the thought and taking the time to make it happen.

And, if you cannot choose one of these methods for helping others or bringing cheer to another human being, try a random act of kindness for someone you’ve never met. I had been thinking about this subject for a few days, and since I had just undergone surgery and found myself with my arm in a restrictor sling for six weeks, I decided to pop into our local Subway for a sandwich and a drink. A young couple was in front of me that I had never met before and the gentleman asked what had happened to my arm or shoulder. As we passed the time in conversation waiting to place our orders, I told him about the surgery and the recuperation period. They both were kind and considerate and wished me well.

When it was my turn to give my order, I chose my favorite sub, was given my cup, and when I offered my money to the cashier, he shook his head, and said, “No Ma’am, you don’t owe me anything. That young man in front of you paid for your meal. In fact, I owe you some change back.” I was never so shocked in my life. No one that I did not know had ever done that for me that I could remember. I had the money to pay for my food, but my, what a nice treat that was on that particular day in my life.

You may be thinking, “Well, that’s not much. It only cost him $6 or $7 to be nice.” You’re right, it was probably only $6 or $7, but it changed my outlook on that day. It made me smile and have a little more spring in my step.

A big, burly construction man was behind me in the line and we had nodded and said hello. I quietly gave the cashier $10 and said, “Please let me do the same for the man behind me. I’d like his meal to be my treat today.” I quickly left the store with the thought in my heart that I surely hoped he’d do the same for someone else.

Let’s learn to pay it forward this year. We can make a difference in the lives of those around us if we put our minds and hearts to it. I have chosen as one of my guiding quotes for this year, “Let’s act as if what we do makes a difference…because it does.” Are you in?

“Be ye kind one to another…” (Ephesians 4:32) “Some having compassion making a difference.” (Jude 22)

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788 or at [email protected].