NEWS FROM MARION C. PRICE
BE KIND..... PLEASE REWIND
Most of us remember this phrase from the 80's. When renting VHS tapes from the video store, it was asked that you "rewind" the tape before returning it. It was considered "kind' to do this for the convenience of the next customer. When the Schuylkill Mall was closing, my mother-in-law bought a tee shirt that said "BE KIND PLEASE REWIND". My children thought it was funny as they barely remember VHS tapes and never heard that saying.
Kindness is gaining popularity. As Christians, we are encouraged to be kind. The bible mentions "kindness" in over two-hundred instances and "kind" over four hundred times. It's an act of charity or the lifting up of others. The Bible tells us to love our enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and our reward will be great; treat others as you would like to be treated; love is patient and kind. Kindness is one of the fruits of the spirit. The act of kindness has many synonyms such as compassion, generosity, thoughtfulness, warmth, considerateness, graciousness, niceness and charity to name just a few. No matter what you call it-I'm sure we all understand what it is.
Imagine a world where you can succeed by being nice. Where we all pay it forward. Where people look out for each other.
It all starts with an act.... Be a friend to a lonely neighbor *Be a good listener *Be kind to your server *Visit a senior *Compliment often *Shop local *Donate blood *Let someone go ahead of you in line *Go above and beyond *Ask someone about their day *Write a positive comment online *Send an encouraging card or email *Cook a meal for someone going through a tough time *Call someone just to check in *Share your knowledge *Leave a generous tip
*Be kind to the community by volunteering your time. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, run through the Office of Senior Services, has many opportunities to help out in the area. Contact Darla at 570-622-3103 to see what interests you.
*Be kind to your family by preparing for your future. Clean out your attic now. Make your wishes known by preparing a living will. Let them know where your important papers are. Discuss funeral plans and wishes with them. The church has an easy-to-prepare funeral plan checklist. I have attached a copy if you wish to use it. *Be kind to strangers by paying for their meals anonymously when dining in or for the person behind you in the drive-thru. It has been documented at a Dairy Queen in Minnesota that a random act of kindness led to more than 900 cars paying for each other's meals at a drive-thru over two- and one-half consecutive days. Believe it or not, there is even a Random Acts of Kindness Day that is celebrated on February 17th.
Speaking of being kind..... I recently had the opportunity to find a barber to do an in-home haircut. I contacted the
Father and Sons Barber Shop located in Pottsville. The barber came to the house and gave two haircuts and a shave at a great price. Not only was he very kind to accommodate us, but he also gave me some great information to share. Every Wednesday is senior day and haircuts are only $15. Appointments are recommended by calling 570-622-4859. The shop is located at 202 North Center St. Pottsville. There are some business cards on Trinity's bulletin board if interested. More kind information to share - Diakon Community Services is partnering with the AARP Tax-Aide program again this year. Tax-Aide is a free service available to taxpayers with low or moderate income. AARP only files simple returns and an appointment is needed. Services are available from February 8 through April 8 by calling 570-624-3018.
There are many little kindness's we can do daily... so remember to be kind. You never know who needs it and what it means to someone. Smile, hold the door, and be polite on the road. I guarantee it will make your heart feel as good as the person receiving your kindness.