A friend of mine used to carry around a change purse in which he had a bunch of small angel pins made of Swarovski crystals. Whenever he engaged someone new, he concluded by wishing them a blessed day and giving them a crystal angel. The gift usually caught the recipient off guard but always deeply grateful for the gesture. The crystal angel brought a smile to the lips of most, a tear to the eyes of some, but everyone would remember that uplifting encounter with their new friend Thom.
All of us are struggling with the emotional and spiritual effects of the pandemic. Even people predisposed to being kind are finding their well of kindness in need of being replenished. We all could use Thom to give us an angel to make our hearts smile. We can do this for each other.
We don’t need to carry around an inventory of pins. Instead, we need to offer a smile and a kind word (or two). Look at the person in front of you and see them- they are as exhausted as the rest of us. So offer them what you need yourself, a smile and a kind word. To the check-out person, smile and say “thank you” (yes- two words). To the person walking into the store, hold the door and say, “you’re welcome” (that will respond to them saying thank you).
It is a respite from the storm, an act of humanity when we desperately need it- and giving it is as comforting as receiving it, for your heart knows you just did a kind thing.
Our tradition tells of angels coming to bless us for Shabbat. So, as we move toward this Shabbat, may we all reach out with kindness to friends and strangers alike and make our world a little better, one smile at a time.