Written by Dynamis Ministries | February 8, 2024
Isn’t it funny that we’re at the point where there’s a national day for every day of the year? Everyone loves a good holiday, but even so, it’s a bit surprising. Yet it is true, there is a “national day” for almost everything! Some of these days are already pretty popular such as March 14 (3.14) being Pi Day and May 4 being Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you!). But other national days are much more obscure. Consider some of these:
— January 21 | Squirrel Appreciation Day
— May 29 | Put a Pillow in Your Fridge Day
— August 6 | Wiggle Your Toes Day
— December 19 | Ugly Sweater Day
While most of these national days are pretty silly, there is one we should all be encouraged to honor every year, and it’s coming soon. Each year, February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. This observance carries even greater significance than many national days because it has grown to an entire Random Acts of Kindness Week, which this year is February 11-17.
While this is a great day, or week, to honor, it is a little odd that we only highlight kindness this time of the year. After all, shouldn’t kindness be something we practice every day? Johnny C. Taylor Jr., President of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) echoes this sentiment by saying, “Let’s take the ‘random’ out of ‘random acts of kindness.’” Taylor believes the biggest concern in the world today is a lack of empathy and that acting kindly is a great way to make a difference. Indeed, we’re living in a world that is becoming increasingly cruel, and as a result, kindness is diminishing. Some days it seems like kindness is even becoming extinct.
While we should be striving to show kindness throughout the year, not just on a single day, there is still significant value in the Random Acts of Kindness Days! It’s a great time to raise awareness and return to the practice of spreading kindness in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Being kind doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether we’re young or old, single or married, raising a family or empty nesters, there are endless ways for everyone to practice kindness. No matter how simple or how small, an act of kindness can bless someone’s day in ways we may never even realize!
With Random Acts of Kindness Day right around the corner, let’s challenge ourselves to not be so random with it. Let’s be intentional with our kindness, in the spirit of generosity. Commit right now to expressing kindness on February 17 and make intentional plans. Set aside money today, no matter how small, that you can give away. Or sign up for a volunteer event with your friends or family that you can do together during Random Acts of Kindness Week. Maybe pick a person in your life that you can bless and send them a note of encouragement. Or even take someone out for a meal. The ideas are endless, but whatever you choose to do, engage it enthusiastically and spread love and good in the world!
