A Day for Caring
Today, June 7 is National Caring Day. Whoever decides the National Calendar Day selections of things to celebrate thought the act of caring was worth a whole day of dedication. I couldn’t agree more.
I doubt whether anyone wakes in the morning with “how to care” noted in their list of things to accomplish for the day. Rather, the extensions of compassion towards others often rise in the moment. Most small acts of caring aren’t given a second thought. For example, holding the elevator door for the person running towards you is a no-brainer, but might be the difference between on-time and late.
Caring is when that friend texts you on the anniversary of your mom’s death. She just wanted to let you know this notable day was noted in her calendar.
Caring is the neighbor that shovels your driveway after clearing his own. Caring is that friend who looks deep in your eyes and asks again, “Really, how are you?” despite your flat response, “I’m fine.”
Caring is the mom who rocks her fevered child at 2 am, waiting for the Tylenol to kick in. Caring is saying, “Let me help you.”
Caring is the nurse, who despite shift change indicating her time to clock out, remains with the anxious patient. She knows the comfort of her touch as her patient settles in breath.
Caring is about listening without interruption, or making room for one more, or sharing your umbrella as the rain pours.
Caring is showing up with a casserole for someone catapulted by illness, suffering, or loss.
Caring is the spouse, after all those years of marriage, who fills up the empty gas tank.
Such times when considerate kindnesses meet need might be small but leave a great wake of goodness.
I realize many of us define the state of our coexistence with acute polarization and division. All you need to do is watch cable news commentators on repeat to know there’s plenty of stewing and stale narrative regarding the state of our world. However, I believe in a basic tenant of our shared humanity; we were born to care. We humans, despite all that divides us, show up for one another all the time with acts of care. There’s a constant source of inspiration when we think about all the ways we fit together via caring. It’s about the soft edges of us that are easy to access when someone needs a hand. This is where interactions with one another create support and comfort and commonality.
And, I might add, all of us probably remember with tenderness those times we felt cared for. Such interactions leave an imprint on the heart. The best thing about caring is, most often it’s expressed in the simplest of ways. Offerings of support are like tumbleweeds blowing in the wind. The intersections of simple interactions of kindness might seem trite, but they have the possibility to change the trajectory of a single seed. I might not remember helping the person hastily gather their groceries off the parking lot pavement after the paper bag breaks, but if that were me frazzled in the middle of a busy parking lot trying to collect scattering apples and rolling soup cans, I would remember the angel who helped me probably for all time.
Today, I invite you to join me in appreciation for all the ways we are kind to ourselves and one another. Reflecting on the vast world of caring is a good exercise in growing our heart space for one another. We may have many negative things to say about each other in the realm of platitudes, but it’s in the realm of simply being together where caring gets to have the last word.