I went to a blood drive held at a local church recently. I arrived early to be first in line because I knew it would take awhile. After answering the questions and getting my iron levels, pulse, and blood pressure checked a young woman walked me to the donor area. While she was getting the stuff ready we made small talk about the up and down weather and how the only pain I really get from donating was later when I pulled the taped bandage off my hairy Italian arms.

While I was talking, though, I was feeling a gentle urging in my spirit to say something else.

Finally I listened and said to the young woman: “I appreciate all the hard work you guys put in. You really are saving lives!”

She looked shocked for a second and then blinked a few times as her eyes moistened. “Thank you”, she said. “No one ever says that.”

Later after I had finished donating and ate a snack I rose up to go home. I saw the woman working with another donor and we waved and shared a smile before I headed home. I left the church with a clear head and a light and happy heart. I was glad I’d followed God’s urging to say what I said.

Henry James wrote: “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.”

When you feel the gentle urge within to say something kind then, just say it. When you feel the urge to do something kind, just do it. When you feel the need to share a smile, give a hug, open a door, donate to charity, wave to a stranger, or any of the other million kind things you can do, don’t hold back. God wants you to do them.

God’s Love lives deep within all of our souls and God is always gently urging us to give that Love and kindness to the world. We are here to share love. We are here to scatter joy. We are here to be kind. We are here to make this world a better place with everything we say and everything we do. May we always do so.