A High Five in Canada

How Kindness Ripples Across the World

When counseling engaged couples, I  remind them the little things in life are really the big things.

A birthday note, making the bed, a quick phone call when running late—these seemingly small acts build trust and affection to sustain a relationship.

But it's not just couples who need that reminder. We all do. When so many big issues divide us, little actions can connect us.

I witnessed this truth on a recent visit to Canada.

I was out for a run along the water near beautiful Stanley Park.

As I moved North, another runner came toward me. She was struggling.

She was not in danger, but she was clearly tired, her face red and arms dangling at her side.

But she kept moving. You could see the pain and determination in her stride.

Then behind me, a very fast and fit runner swooped by. He looked like he could easily complete a marathon without breaking a sweat.

As he continued past me, he held out his hand and high-fived the struggling runner. I saw her face light up as their palms met.

Her back straightened. Her stride became more purposeful. A new determination came from her eyes.

As we passed each other, I reached out my hand to high-five her as well. Suddenly I felt more energy and drive.

The running trail came alive. I felt the other runners around me beaming encouragement.

Encouragement

What happened? One small act of kindness spread. It sparked others.

It proved the Talmud's teaching: Mitzvah goreret mitzvah, one good deed leads to another.

Do not underestimate small acts. They not only change us. They can change the world.

A few years ago I heard an interview with actor Francois Clemmons.

He played Officer Clemmons on Mr. Rogers's Neighborhood for 25 years.

On May 9, 1969, as he walked onto the set, he saw Mr. Rogers sitting with his feet in the pool.

As the tape rolled, Mr. Rogers invited Officer Clemmons to sit down next to him and put his feet in the pool.

As racial tension spread across our country that summer, these two men sat peacefully next to one another.

Then as they got up to leave, Mr. Rogers picked up a towel and slowly dried Officer Clemmon's feet.

Imagine the way this small act made viewers feel. Even now, almost fifty years later, we are still talking about it.

The little things are truly the big things.