Being a Kindaholic

...dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:

compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.

Colossians 3:12
 

Although I no longer ingest caffeine, I am a huge fan of Starbucks, and often stop in for a Tall, soy, decaf, black & white mocha (no whip), or a shaken green tea lemonade (half sweetner).  I always love to look at their pastries and other goodies, but being gluten intolerant, it is always look but don't touch!  Then a few months ago, I noticed they were carrying a new snack bar - the KIND bar, that proclaimed it self to be gluten-free.  I tried a Cranberry Almond, and then a Blueberry Vanilla Cashew and was hooked!

Imagine my surprise when the wrapper on one of my bars suggested that I do a KIND act for someone else.  I discovered that the company has put up a website, www.KINDmovement.com, to encourage people around the world to do random (or not so random) acts of kindness for those around them each day. 
They even have developed their own KIND vocabulary:

• kindaholic - someone with an uncontrollable love for spreading kindness
• kinding - an unexpected act of kindness done for someone else
• kindtastic - being extraordinarily kind

Each month the company gives out a challenge to do a particular kind act.  If enough people accept the challenge, the company does a large act of kindness partnered with another charity or organization.  In August, for example, KIND urged their kindaholics to give an article of clothing to someone in need (currently our church is gathering shoes for the homeless downtown).  In turn, KIND partnered with the Kyle Korver Foundation to provide school uniforms for a local poverty-level elementary school.  This month, KIND is asking for people to thank someone who has made a positive impact on their life.  In turn,  KIND will partner with Philabundance, the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, to provide  thousands of Thanksgiving meals to families this holiday season. 

How wonderful to know that there is a commercial venture that is interested in helping other people just as much as helping their bottom line.  What act of kindness can you give the world tomorrow?  Let's make Tuesday a KIND day!