A Generosity of Spirit So Rare

A Japanese Haiku, an Indian Fable, Scripture, and Science about Acts of Kindness

Mimicking The Monkey and the Crocodile, Poet, a beanie baby pink monkey rides a bronze dragon sculpture at the Children’s Garden in Longwood Gardens, PA, Oct. ©Anita S. Coleman, 2023, CC BY-NC-ND

A warm welcome to new readers! Welcome back everyone else and many thanks for your compliments and curiosity about last week’s Luxury of Reading: A Tale of a Garden, a Library, and a Community of Peace.

Monday, 13th November is World Kindness Day. The theme for 2023, marking the 25th anniversary of WKD is: “Acts of kindness start a ripple of change that can transform the lives of children, families, and entire communities. Some Christians are puzzled by WKD as the Bible advises kindness 24/7/365. Many interfaith groups celebrate WKD the whole week long.

I begin with a timely quote about kind acts and a brief history of WKD. Then, I offer my picturesque Japanese haiku, a fun fable The Monkey and the Crocodile, and of course, the timeless wisdom of the Scriptures now backed by scientific research findings about kind acts cultivating a generosity of spirit, and health benefits for all, giver and receiver. Enjoy!