Sometimes I get inspired to write on a subject matter that I’ve written before. Do I dare write on the subject in mind again? Yes. The inspiration is rooted to emphasize a point. Therein the subject carries great value. I’d ask the readership to humor me.

Kindness, a song of joy and a gift have been introduced into my life.

Here are some examples. Recently, a woman who works in the building where I have my office knocked on my door. I was alone and preparing for my next client, due to arrive in 45 minutes. She apologized for the interruption and asked if I might drive her home. Her car was in the shop for repair. A moment’s hesitation to consider my next client quickly was deflected. I agreed, left a note on the door for my client and drove her home. Her gratitude was expressed, not only verbally, but also with a desire to bake some sweets. I drove back to the office minutes ahead of my client’s arrival.

On my way to pick up some groceries, the traffic was particularly heavy. I became aware soon that it was noon and folks were out for lunch. I was far back in a long line of vehicles awaiting a light change. Suddenly the car in front of me jammed on its brakes. For a moment, I expressed some intolerance and impatience. Then I noticed a vehicle pulling out of a side street to cross our lane into the other lane. I saw the driver wave to the person who I did not see who let her in. We then proceeded. I wasn’t really in much of a hurry. Others, like the person behind me, apparently were. On some level of understanding, I appreciated her gesture of impatience. She may have been in a time crunch and lost precious minutes.

I tuned on an old movie the other evening that depicted a drama unfolding as a plane was ready to depart a jungle. The survivors weren’t all able to take the flight and one man took charge of choosing who would go and who would remain in a lethal environment. A sweet older couple requested to remain. They believed others had more to live for. The couple had been together the past 40 years and had realized true love. The charge, a murderer, stated that, ”If there were more people like them in the world, there would be less people like (himself).” I was moved by this sentiment.

Lastly, one more example, please. I was left a message by a man from The Post-Journal. He wanted to let me know that he was leaving for another job. He’d been my contact person. I saw him on his final work day. I thanked him profusely for his friendship. He originally requested articles before my regular bi-weekly feature. I wished him the best.

The aforementioned are all acts of kindness. Some measure of trust, a concept that regularly impacts our lives, was in operation. My driving the woman home wasn’t merely an act of kindness on my part, it was especially an act of trust and therefore, a gift to me which I cherish. So too, the other examples were gifts of love to a certain degree. Being aware of the messages we receive daily that offer us opportunities to be kind and express the gift of love is a joyous experience. Many clients have described similar events and stated furthermore, that their anxiety, their depression was momentarily lifted.

I want to dedicate this article to Scott, whose kindness and gift to me I hold in the highest regard. Thank you.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Marshall Greenstein holds a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling and is a licensed marriage and family counselor and a licensed mental health counselor in New York state. He has regular office hours at Hutton and Greenstein Counseling Services, 501 E. Third St., Suite 2B, Jamestown, 484-7756. For more information or to suggest topics, email editorial@post-journal.com.