Kindness

Kindness. What a great word to start any day!

A simple word. A simple concept. A world-changing practice.

Henry James wrote, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” If only we would. I was taught kindness in kindergarten. I was taught kindness in our Sunday School and church. I was definitely taught kindness at home. I have seen kindness modeled by others. I have been on the receiving end of great kindness throughout my life. So why is it still a challenge to be kind?

In the letter to the Ephesians we read, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Jesus was the model of a life characterized by kindness. All we have to do is follow him and we will find our own path to be a path of kindness.

As I say to all my little friends at church each week when we have our chat on the steps of the chancel, “it doesn’t matter how big we are or how small we are, how young we are or how old we are”. Being kind is one of those things. Being kind is a way of life we can choose regardless of what chapter of life we find ourselves. Acknowledging the personhood of those we encounter. Holding a door. Offering a smile. Sharing. Putting others needs above our own. Being a friend. Including someone who sits at the edge of the group. The list goes on and on.

Kindness can change our relationships. Kindness can change our family. Kindness can change a person’s life. Sometimes the life it changes is our own.

Peace.