Acts of Kindness and Gratitude in a Time of Lockdown

Today's world, caught in the clutches of a global pandemic, can sometimes feel like a zoo where all we do is wait. But amidst this very environment, there are moments that remind us of the human spirit and the power of kindness and gratitude. These acts can be as small as a fleeting kindness or as heartfelt as watching a movie that touches our souls. In a world where money talks and people walk, there are still myriad stories of goodwill that transcend these truths.

A Thought-Provoking Encounter with Kindness

Today, I witnessed an act of kindness that made me feel deeply grateful for what I have in the present moment. As I was driving by a store, I noticed a blind homeless man seated outside. The store owner, who was holding her half-empty branded water bottle, approached him but had nothing to give him in the way of food. She seemed unbothered by his needs, taking a sip from her water as she re-entered her shop.

Moved by this indifference, I decided to dig into my trunk and grabbed some non-perishable supplies - bread and jarred sweet potato baby food. Holding a bottle of water, I approached the man. As I handed him the food and water, an experience that could have been indifferent or even exploitative, transformed into a moment of genuine human connection. The man, overwhelmed with gratitude, whispered to me that it felt like I was an ‘angels in disguise’. He said that through acts of kindness such as mine, I was being seen by the Lord and would be rewarded someday.

The encounter of simple kindness laid a path to reflect on the importance of paying it forward. I am not just a humanitarian. I am someone who finds joy and purpose in reaching out to those in need, making a difference in their lives, no matter how small. Today, that act of kindness was the affirmation that I am living out gratitude and compassion.

Discovering Goodness in the Depth of a Lockdown

Today, amidst the often scripted routines and empty lives within the lockdown, a silver lining emerged for me in the form of a movie. I stumbled upon a Telugu movie Jersey while browsing through my TV channels. Jersey, a heartfelt and narratively rich film, offers a tapestry of emotions, spanning love, pain, failure, and the sentiment of a father's enduring love. The movie tells the story of a series of failures and the overcoming of them. As I watched, I found myself deeply moved by the authentic portrayal of pain and the intricate nuances of human relationships.

The movie's storyline resonated deeply with me, evoking a profound sense of empathy towards the characters and their journey. Especially poignant was the background score by Anirudh Ravichander. His music, seamlessly woven into the narrative, added layers of emotion and depth to the film. The soundtrack was so powerful that I couldn’t help but listen to it later, even regretting not having it in the theatre during its release. It's available for viewing on Zee5 today, I highly recommend you watch it to experience the journey for yourself.

Reflecting on how today's encounter with kindness and falling in love with a film gave me a moment of profound gratitude, it's clear that amid the pandemic, there are still opportunities for joy, connection, and meaningful human experiences. They may be simple, but they serve as a reminder of the importance of living life with a grateful heart.

Stay Home, Stay Safe, friends. Keep yourselves engaged and find joy in these moments. Remember, no matter the circumstances, our acts of kindness and our gratitude for the everyday can make a significant difference.

Act of Kindness and Gratitude Citation

Telugu Movie: Jersey

Background Music Track: 'Anirudh Ravichander'