When we moved into our own house years ago, my brother with the integrity of his heart initiated the plan to use the remaining portion of the land for farming. He planted sweet potatoes, dedicating his time to ensure they grew well. The fascinating things about sweet potato is their resilience; they don't easily get destroyed and you often don't need to replant them. They keep giving.
It's been more than 5 years since my brother first planted the potatoes. Within these years, we've all grown up and moved away from our father's house to build our own lives in different places. Yet whenever we return home, we can still dig up some potatoes for consumption. This simple act of kindness has provided us a means of sustenance, long after my brother has moved away and perhaps has forgotten about them. I can't say for sure if my brother has enjoyed the bounty as much as I have but here I am about to take some back with me once again.
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This experience has made me reflect on the lasting impact of our actions and kindness. It serves as a powerful reminder that the good we do often isn't for us but for others who might be our children. Which is why we should endeavour to be kind to others.
My brother's simply act of planting the potatoes is a metaphor for the unexpected and lasting effect of our kindness. My brother planted the potatoes not for immediate gratification but because it was a good thing to do. The effect has continually provided us sumptuous snacks whenever we come home and even bounties to take back to our respective places. The rewards have far outlived the initial efforts.
Kindness much more like potatoes can endure and flourish when we're not around to see it. Acts of kindness can take roots in the hearts of others and continue to grow, influencing others than we can ever imagine. Whether it's a word of encouragement, a simple gesture of kindness or a sacrifice, kindness has a way of impacting others perpetually. Even our children or family members can be the recipient of the kindness we've long planted.
Most times we often get caught up in immediate results and personal benefits. However, true kindness involves sowing seeds that may grow and benefit others even when we are absent to witness the harvest. My brother's potatoes taught me that the kindness we bestow can create a long lasting legacy.
Hence, we should consider the long term effect of our actions. A simple act of kindness can provide joy, comfort and sustenance to others later in life. It might be teaching someone a skill, offering support during tough times or a simply word of encouragement. These simply acts done with the integrity of our hearts can yielding lasting harvest.
As I take the potatoes back with me, I cant but reflect on the importance of leaving behind a legacy good deeds. My brother's act wasn't grand or attention seeking but it has been significant. We should strive to plant the seeds of kindness as we go through life understanding that the effect of our actions can transcend generations and benefiting others in ways that we cannot imagine.
Thumbnail was made with Canva
Potato image is mine
