Small Acts of Kindness Mean More Than We Give Credit.
Israa Hussein
Thanksgiving is a day to share expressions of gratitude with our loved ones, both family and friends. However, as a person who lives in a Lebanese, Muslim household most of whom do not celebrate many of the traditional western holidays; we do find in our own ways, many different means to show our appreciation and thankfulness to those we love. Such as small acts of kindness to each other like coffee runs for the whole family on a Sunday morning, telling each other “thank you” and “I love you” whenever we can, praying together as a family, and giving compassion, acceptance and understanding. Being raised in an ethnic household, yet going to school where holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc. were highly celebrated was always a confusing experience as a child, however, through the years I found that there are so many different ways and opportunities to show the ones I love just how thankful I am to have them in my life!
My personal favourite is writing those I love, letters. The written word can be just as beautiful and as meaningful especially when it comes from the heart. Writing is a wonderful way to express appreciation. As is giving small meaningful gifts such as mugs, chocolates, and other sweets, bracelets, charms, and so on.
Even simply praying together can be yet another way of showing our care and love, or praying FOR our loved ones and including them in every prayer throughout the day is something truly special. Although they may not know that we are praying for them it is just as special, more so because it is what our hearts truly want. Life can be messy and hectic and a complete ball of overwhelming chaos, sometimes we get in our own heads and forget those who help us along the way. So, it's these small moments throughout the year that remind us that we are not alone, that there are loved ones who are here and deserve to be shown that we see them. Sometimes we forget the small blessings that we do have. Although it can be hard to see them, it may feel like there is just too much happening so those small moments of thankfulness can give us even a glimmer of hope. This time of year I find really gives me and my family an opportunity to not only recognize our blessings but give more to others. Especially those less fortunate.
Another time of year to express this gratitude is during Ramadan; a time of abstinence but it's so much more than that– it is a time for giving and charity. It is a time that gives us the opportunity to give to those less fortunate than ourselves, and to our loved ones. It is also a time when we are really given opportunities to recognize what we have, to understand and be thankful for what blessings we have and for those we have in our lives. It is like our own Thanksgiving. No matter what holidays you celebrate, where you're from, your religion, your culture, etc. Showing your love to those close to you and those around you will always help make the world a better and more thankful place.
