Courtesy: Chore or Delight

July 1st, 2009

The simplest of actions can trigger a chain of events that will alter the course of not just a moment, but perhaps an entire day or even a lifetime. I can almost hear the naysayers now laughing at my outlandish proposal; however, before the belly laughs get too loud, let’s throw down the challenge and examine a few moments that could deserve a second thought.

There are many motorists on our highways who travel with courtesy and others who would benefit from a few lessons in highway etiquette. A truck driver who backs off the hammer slightly to allow his fellow driver enough room to maneuver over into his lane is often thanked with a simple flash of the lights or even brief “appreciate it” over the CB. Surely this gesture, only a few seconds out of a person’s day, would now be reciprocated to other drivers further down the road.

How about the merging mayhem that is often experienced as one vehicle is looking to re-enter the highway rat race. As the 18-wheeler is slowly picking up speed on the ramp, the vehicle in the right lane will often slow to give a little room or, if an open lane is beside them, will slide to the left lane, allowing the merging truck to have a clear lane. A wave of acknowledgement and appreciation is common in this circumstance.

Let’s pose the question of simple gestures such as opening a door for somebody whose hands are full, offering a seat on a bus or train, or giving someone with just one or two items to purchase your spot in the checkout line. These simple, quick acts of random kindness can brighten a day and bring a smile to a face and are often reciprocated.

Fortunately for me I’ve seen these random acts of kindness often and must say they make me want to be a better man. Just a few weeks ago at my local coffee shop, an early morning customer decided to buy the next person to the counter his or her morning coffee. Well, that next person reciprocated to the next, and so on, and so on. The gesture lasted for most of the morning, much to the amusement of the Java Bean staff. More recently, I celebrated a special occasion at a local restaurant and was overwhelmed by the staff’s additional kindness and effort that went well beyond their call of duty. These random acts of kindness do affect a person.

It goes without saying that Richard Petty, our cover story this month, owes little to the sport of NASCAR. His name, his image and the man himself have done enough to be etched into the sport’s history. However, Petty is still seen at the track, signing autographs, posing for photographs and talking with fans. He will not leave until they all have what they came for. Imagine the lives Petty has changed and the thrills he has given from these acts of kindness.

For some, an act of kindness comes naturally, and I thank them for leading the way. To the rest, just start with one a day to get the ball rolling.