A Random Act Of Kindness Defined

With so many responsibilities and pressures tugging at us, it's hard to think of much else than self.

"Oh, we're just human!" Some might say. It must be instinctive, for even kids wanna horde. Of course there could be something said for adult toys too.

We could learn a lot from some folks, and I've learned a great deal from a certain gal. Mom, you've taught me well. Giving isn't so much an act with you as it's a lifestyle that many could learn from. You live to give!

I remember her asking me to print some self-adhesive labels that said the following: "You've received a random act of kindness. If you enjoyed receiving this kind act, please pass it along. Together we can change the world ... one person at a time."

Mom would leave a package upon an unexpecting person's door, with the above label attached, then leave. The person receiving the blessing never knew who the giver was, but that was the intent. (Feel free to use the idea)

I would say feelings of self-preservation like selfishness, indifference, callousness, and the general lack of concern for our fellow man aren't God's pleasure. I'm sure He's appalled by those lowly ways.

I challenge you to spread a few random acts of kindness around, then watch - they're contagious.

Buy a coworker a can of pop for no reason. Buy a bag of groceries and put it on the doorstep of someone that's hurting. Ring the bell, then run. No one need know, except you and God.

Tell someone they're beautiful inside. I don't know of many frosted hearts that can withstand the warmth of a kind word.

There are hundreds of opportunities in any day to convey such charity.

The following are just a few examples of goodness:

I was in the post office and saw a friend in line. I told him to go ahead of me. He responded with, "Are you sure?" I said yes. Then when he asked the clerk for a book of stamps I told her it was on me. Of course he was surprised and wanted to pay me. I would have none of that. His departing words were, "God bless ya!" I later heard his wife had breast cancer.

When the weather got bad last year I bought a snow-blower. When the first storm came I plowed our drive. When I finished I stared at our neighbors' drifts. Then I proceeded to plow their drives. I recall being cold and tired, but it warmed me to see my neighbor standing in his doorway, in stocking feet, to tip his coffee cup at me.

Then there was the time when our kids caught Ron, the neighbor, filling up our empty fuel oil tank - because a few local churches heard of our plight and wanted to heat our home.

For you see, selfish motives can't recognize all the opportune acts of kindness that abound all around.

Greg Allen was born August 26, 1957 in Lebanon, Indiana.

His mother became pregnant, then decided to marry the father of her baby. The marriage lasted roughly ten years before ending in divorce. A younger brother and he were the only children. He lived with his father until the age of seventeen before running away. He left to live with his mother and grandmother in Frankfort, Indiana. He later graduated from Frankfort High in 1976 with an A-B average. Some college studies would follow.

As a young man, he developed some rather bad habits. He smoked and drank, but would later give his heart to the Lord in his 20's.

He held numerous jobs, but in 1988 he started his own general contractor business. He joined the Air Force Reserves in 1980, which is where he met his wife, Cindy. They married in 1982 and are still happily together. They are the parents of three daughters, Randie, Raine, and Katie.

The first quarter of 2001 wasn't a very good time for business, work was nonexistence. At that time, God told Greg to write his first book, Builder of the Spirit. He had never written anything before, but that didn't seem to matter to God.

One day, while working outside, God spoke to Greg. The Lord said, "Grab a piece of paper and pencil, write down what I say." Greg recalled saying, "Slow down Lord, I can't write that fast!" God said the title of His book would be Builder of the Spirit - it would touch the lives of thousands.

Mr. Allen is an author, songwriter, and the Founder of Builder of the Spirit Ministries. Although retired from construction he still travels, does book signings and speaks.