It’s not always easy being human, and people are often going through struggles and situations about which others may not know. While a thoughtful act from another individual might not solve everything, kind gestures can have powerful impacts on the recipients.
Such moments of thoughtfulness can be unexpected but also quite memorable. Marc Hall, former Dallas resident who recently moved to Fort Worth, said he was at his old house putting the final touches on it prior to listing it for sale and looked out the window to see his next-door neighbor mowing Hall’s lawn, likely unaware that Hall was even there.
“I planned to thank him after I finished up a work call, but before I could, I got a text from him asking for access to the backyard (through the fence),” Hall said. “That’s when I stepped outside to thank him in person. In that moment, it really solidified how I saw Michael—a stand-up guy who never hesitates to lend a hand. Now that I’ve moved, I can only hope to find neighbors like that again.”
Hall said what made the thoughtful act even more meaningful was that his neighbor knew how much time and energy Hall had spent getting his house ready and interacting with contractors.
“He didn’t want anything in return—he just wanted to help,” Hall said. “And honestly, that’s how we should all approach life: doing what we can for others without expecting anything back.”
And there are some thoughtful gestures that can remain with a person for years. Hall recalled a memory from his 30th birthday when his girlfriend at the time had planned two separate surprise celebrations for him with several of his family members and friends. Hall said he was truly touched by how much thought and effort had been put into planning such a special day for him.
“I felt incredibly loved,” he said. “We had only recently started dating, and my first thought was ‘How did she pull this off?’ She barely knew most of the people there, and this was before Facebook. Looking back, I was definitely grateful, but I was also 30. Youth isn’t an excuse, but with time—and a few more life experiences—I’ve come to appreciate thoughtful acts a lot more, no matter how big or small.”
Dallas-area resident and club volleyball coach Libby Shewski said she feels like she experiences thoughtfulness from others on a daily basis.
“My husband and I just went to Mexico, and my parents happily watched our son and dog for four days,” she said. “They drop everything to help us out all of the time. My husband also goes out of his way to serve me without being asked. I was sick, and he happily drove our entire 10-hour road trip without question. I also coach the sweetest girls and families who send me the sweetest text messages of encouragement regularly.”
Shewski said having others show kindness to her in so many different ways not only makes her feel loved but also helps her grow in her faith.
“My parents still serve me and my family so well,” she said. “They are the best representations of Jesus. They love others and put everyone over themselves. I’m so thankful to have that example.”
While thoughtfulness can come from people you don’t know (even something as simple as someone letting you over in a lane during heavy traffic), it is often shown by people with whom you interact on a regular basis. For Dallas resident Drew Johnson, he won’t soon forget how his friend Tony helped him throughout the interview process for his current job.
“It included a technical exam and two interviews, and Tony took time to help me with each step, making sure I was adequately prepared,” Johnson said. “Tony’s thoughtfulness, guidance, and encouragement was instrumental in my getting the job. This change has had a huge positive impact on my life. I will always remember how helpful he was when he had nothing to gain and will be filled with gratitude.”
But not every thoughtful gesture involves a significant investment of time.
“Even small everyday acts of kindness are meaningful,” Johnson said. “My girlfriend, Laura, recently surprised me with a new pair of Pilates socks after I casually mentioned I needed some. It was simple, but I felt heard and taken into consideration, which should not be taken for granted. I feel like these small acts of thoughtfulness add up over time and help build stronger relationships.”
Like Johnson, Shewski also believes that every kind and thoughtful act has meaning behind it, and she said it can ultimately have a snowball effect.
“One act of kindness leads to another,” she said. “It’s almost like how making your bed in the morning inspires you to complete more tasks. Someone being kind can inspire you to be kind to someone else and eventually change someone’s life.”
Shewski said people’s lives are made up of the little moments, and she believes that every thoughtful act goes a long way and has lasting impacts.
“They absolutely enhance our lives and inspire us to enhance the lives of those around us,” she said. “We are here to take care of each other and to serve one another, so I think they should play a big part in our lives.”
Hall said he isn’t sure if one thoughtful act can completely change someone’s life, unless it’s tied to something significant or traumatic, but he does believe that even small acts can keep the spirit of kindness going.
“With how fast everything moves these days, we sometimes need a reminder to slow down and think about others,” he said. “Maybe a single thoughtful act doesn’t flip someone’s world upside down, but it might keep them going. And maybe that’s the point—not to change everything but to remind each other we’re still human, and we’re still trying.”
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One of the NatNews staff members and some dear readers recently enjoyed weekend festivities and came together to (sort of) form a heart