As we approach this unique and very different Easter, where we have been urged to stay at home to protect the NHS, I am reminded of the brave and tender acts of kindness carried out by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who cared for the body of Jesus after the crucifixion.  Were they heroes? They were ordinary men who followed their faith and acted in kindness and compassion.  Love sometimes takes courage, like those NHS and social care workers on the frontline, but even a small gesture of compassion and kindness shines in significance to the one on the receiving end.   

Life can seem to be racing out of control.  It seems like most of us cannot change the course of history, by ourselves.  We won’t win a Nobel prize for developing a vaccine or designing a new type of ventilator.  But we can care.  We can change lives by doing simple acts of kindness like reaching out (metaphorically not physically) to those around us.  A kind act has no strings attached and is a powerful source of well-being for both the giver and receiver (both can receive a helpful oxytocin boost).  There are lots of ways we can all be kind even if we can’t help in practical ways.  For example:

·      Greet someone with a genuinely pleasant comment (from a distance)

·      Listening (on the phone)

·      Show appreciation and acknowledging what someone has done; 

·      Putting someone else first (by not grabbing the last toilet roll!)

·      Sending someone a text/phone call to check up on them and let them know that you care about them

·      Shopping for loved ones/ neighbours who are at more risk than you

Sometimes even something as simple as a smile can make a big difference. Facial expressions are a significant way in which we communicate with each other.  It is also linked to the way we feel.  We all know that feeling happy creates a smile.  But did you know making a smile creates happy feelings!   Forcing a positive facial expression can help you feel better.  Smiling also helps others feel better and can improve relationships. The amygdala (part of the brain) mimics a smile and gives other people good feelings.  Smiling helps you and those around you to have a positive frame of mind and a positive frame of mind can be a learnt habit. And if all this can be gained with just a smile, imagine what can be achieved with a larger act of kindness! 

The coronavirus is providing a unique challenge to local community groups and the church. Let’s hope that with prayer and kindness we will support each other and ensure that in years to come, 2020 will be held up as an inspiring example of what we can achieve together.

The core of our response to this current crisis must be love. And how, when this is over, we just might be a kinder, gentler species, one that realises that we need each other more than we ever knew.  Let’s start expressing this love and hope with a smile.