The older I get, the more I am moved by kindness. Not just a little moved, emotionally moved. At times, I am moved to tears by genuine acts of kindness. My father-in-law's wife makes some of the most beautiful handmade cards you have ever seen. For her, they are therapy. They help her cope with PTSD and anxiety from a past life of government service. For the recipient, such as myself, they are a gift of love. Genuine care and thoughtfulness go into each card she makes. I enjoy fishing tremendously. She knows this. Each year for my birthday I get a fishing related birthday card, custom made. Most years I am moved to tears. I tried explaining to her recently how I felt about receiving one of her cards and we both ended up in tears. Why does such a simple act of kindness and thoughtfulness have such a profound effect on me?
The Scarcity of Kindness
I suspect that some of it is the scarcity of kindness in our world today. When on the road I see road rage often. Our neighborhood HOA Facebook page is filled with people complaining and being hateful. You don’t even want to see how they act in a board meeting. Social media is not always social anymore. Just bring up a topic that someone else disagrees with and they will work purposefully to destroy you verbally and psychologically. The more difficult the issue, the harder they try. Christians fighting against Christians. Churches fighting against churches. Everyone just seems angry.Potentially we have just lost respect for each other as fellow humans. Kindness as a definition means being sympathetic to others. It means being helpful and kind. People who are kind by definition are of a forbearing nature. They are understanding. They show restraint and empathy towards others. In our triggered, me-centered society, kindness seems to be a rare quality in most. I think that is why it has become such a treasured commodity when found in others and especially when being on the receiving end of it. Perhaps others are as moved by it as I am? What is there to lose if they are not and kindness is shown regardless?
Some thoughts on practical ways to show kindness to others:
Restrain yourself
Be humble. Be the second one to speak. Stand at the back of the line. Allow for simple mistakes. Show people grace. They are human. Monitor your tone of voice. Watch your facial expressions.Respect others
Let people know you see them. Acknowledge them. Listen to them. Take time for people. Learn people’s names and acknowledge them by name when you see them. Genuinely care for others. Say “thank you.” Open doors for others no matter their age or gender. It’s a simple act of putting someone else ahead of yourself.Random Acts
I think we have all heard of random acts of kindness but how often do we practice them? Pay for someone’s meal you don’t know. Buy someone a coffee. Send someone a card. Send a gift to someone going through a hard time even if you don’t know them well. Cut someone’s grass. Help change a flat tire. Hold an umbrella for someone in the rain. Smile at someone.There is immense emotional power in showing someone a genuine act of kindness. With so many broken and hurting people walking around in this world today, it could literally be something that saves their life. Be kind today.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
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