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The Bank of Human Kindness Is Still Open
When I get up in the morning, I can usually tell early on what kind of banking day it’s going to be. If I’ve slept well and feel rested, I might make a deposit, but if I stayed up late the night before and slept only intermittently, I will need to make a withdrawal.
What bank am I talking about? The bank of human kindness. Like most financial institutions, this particular bank depends on its depositors to keep it afloat. If enough people make regular deposits, the bank thrives. But if people are not willing to invest in their community, the bank will slowly deteriorate and eventually close its doors.
The deposits themselves come in all forms. For example, when I’m kind to other people, that’s a deposit. Every time I say “hello” or initiate a conversation, I’m adding to the bank’s resources. Every time I compliment someone or encourage another in some way, I am simultaneously adding to my individual account and to the bank’s bottom line. And if I physically help someone or invite someone to share a meal or an activity, I’m depositing goodwill into the community.
What happens on those bad days when I need to make a withdrawal? Well, those days, naturally, are a bit more difficult. Instead of reaching out to others with a smile or a greeting, I’m silently looking downward, walking to my destination, simply trying to get…
