One Sunday we headed to a local restaurant after church, and a sign on the door asked that customers be patient due to staff shortage. As we entered, we observed that most tables were taken, though many had only one person at them.

We were seated by a teenager, he took our order, brought our drinks. All seemed normal.

Then the rest of the “after church” crowd began arriving, with no place to sit. Suddenly we saw two very nicely dressed ladies clearing tables, wiping them down, and making room for the waiting customers. In reply to a question, the one lady remarked, “Oh, I don’t work here. I just saw they needed help and I feel sorry for them. It’s just the right thing to do.”

Suddenly, as people finished their meals, they began to clear their own tables and stack the dishes, etc. in the dirty dishes tub. We did too. Kind gestures are contagious.

As we paid our bill, the teenager thanked us for helping out.

Shortly after this lesson in kindness, something else occurred. We were visiting a beautiful old mission which is still in use today. As we approached it for a visit, we saw the signs:

We didn’t have our masks with us, so Bud went back to the car to get our masks; some other folks stopped and did the same; others turned and went to the gift shop to buy masks.  But most people just went in without any masks.  One family hesitated, until “mom” noticed that people were coming out without masks, so she decided their family could go in without masks.  Hm-m.

We went in (masks on) and noticed quite a few people scattered throughout the sanctuary in postures of prayer, meditation, and worship. Others were tourists, like us – there to observe and be awed by the beauty.

The ceiling and walls were filled with artwork; some have compared this mission to the Sistine Chapel – and for good reason! It really was designed to focus on God through the artwork.

However, we also observed people taking pictures with phones and cameras.  Some were carrying on normal conversations – no attempt to speak quietly.  One man moved in front of a worshipper to “get the best angle” for his shot.  Obviously “tourists”, not worshipers.  But it seems to reflect what we see happening in our country today.  There is a growing disregard for how someone else might feel, or how to respect someone else’s culture, values, or faith journey. 

Disrespect is contagious too.  As for us, we choose to spread kindness.