Today was the day of the Hour of Love in Action rally as part of the larger No Kings Protests that were held all over the states and even internationally. We had 15 at our rally here in Cottonwood Falls. Interesting to me that most of the ones that came were from out of the area. One guy was from Colorado, one couple was from Belle Plain and one couple was from Wichita. Two came up from Matfield Green, two from Strong City. One guy was from Topeka and two others were from this area but not sure where.
We started gathering around 2:45. The editor of the Kansas Reflector came and stayed for the whole time. He was able to talk to most of the participants and took lots of pictures. He did another interview with me on tape. I always hope I am somewhat understandable when I do those interviews. Not my strength! Another guy that came also interviewed me for his Facebook page.
Two of the guys that came played musical instruments and sang for us to begin our rally. I led a short meditation after I explained what the Love in Action Project is all about. We then went out and did acts of kindness and love in the community.
We came back together afterwards and shared what we did and then it was over.
Kathy had gotten some gifts for a new family that moved into the neighborhood and took those up to them to welcome them into the community. The family wasn’t home but she left the package on the doorstep. I went up to Dollar General and paid for a person’s order. I kinda screwed up the credit card process and slowed the line down but people were patient. I also passed out a dozen roses along the walk down there. There was a man and his two little boys riding bikes and I gave each of the boys one to take home to their mother. People were gracious and accepted the roses with a smile on their face.
About six of the group had brought protest signs and they walked down and stood in front of the Court House and took their own picture with their signs.
I was given $60 in cash today and two Walmart gift cards for the ICE Detainees Christmas project. I hadn’t expected that!
Sometimes I forget how differently people think and act. I’m not sure most of the group was comfortable going out and doing random acts of kindness. I think it pushed some of them out of their comfort zone and they weren’t able to do it.
Not sure how people reacted to today. It will be fun to read the story that the Kansas Reflector runs if they decide to do a story. I know the approach I took today was very different than the “normal”. I’m grateful people found the courage to come to this rally and participated. They all seemed to leave with a smile on their face so maybe something was accomplished.
I’m glad I did the event today. I keep reminding myself I am not responsible for other people’s reaction. I do feel like I planted some seeds today. If and how they grow is not something I will ever know.
The group was interested in the Detainee Project and asked lots of questions about it.
No plans for the next couple of days. I am helping with the Friends of the Library book sale Tuesday afternoon in Emporia, It will be good to have a couple of stay-at-home days ahead of me. I am tired and need to recharge.
I’m sure more learnings about today will come to me as I process the day. It hit me square in the face today how differently I think and act. I do march to the sound of my own drum and my beat seems to be different than others. I will keep being me and see where this all leads.
Grateful for those that came today, grateful for the kind things that are present if we look, and grateful for a quiet day at home tomorrow.