The teacher asked the pupils to tell the meaning of lovingkindness.  A little boy jumped up and said, “Well, if I was hungry and someone gave me a piece of bread that would be kindness.  But if they put a little jelly on it, that would be lovingkindness.”

Kindness provides a house, but love makes a home.

Kindness packs an adequate sack lunch, but love puts a note of encouragement inside.

Kindness provides a television set or computer as a learning aid, but love controls the remote control and cares enough to insist a child “sign off”.

Kindness sends a child to bed on time, but love tucks the covers around a child’s neck and provides a goodnight hug and kiss.

Kindness cooks a meal, but love selects the “your favorite foods” menu and lights the candles.

Kindness writes a thank you note, but love this to include a joke or photograph or bookmark inside the envelope.

Kindness keeps a clean and tidy house, but love adds a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Kindness pours a glass of milk, but love occasionally adds a little chocolate sauce.

Kindness is doing what is decent, basic, courteous, and necessary for an even, smooth, and gentle flow of life.

Love is taking the extra step to make life truly exciting, creative, and meaningful.  Love is what makes things special.

How often do we have the chance to show love to someone and overlook it?  Or how many opportunities have we missed to go beyond common courtesy to kindness and patience?  This really struck my heart today.  This is my favorite part about stamping and making cards and gifts by hand.  It’s the extra touch of love that goes into everything.

You know, like when you’re little and your mom makes cookies and they taste sooo yummy!  And then, when you grow up and try to make them yourself they never seem to come out quite right?  The secret ingredient is that little touch of mom’s love.

So, who do you know in your life who could use an extra touch of love this week?  We all know someone or come into contact with someone who would feel blessed with not only a touch of kindness, but a little extra love.