You know, it’s amazing the impact that kindness can have. The counsel given in Ephesians 4:32, “Be ye kind to one another..” is easy to read, seemingly easy to incorporate into our lives, but more difficult than we may imagine on days when we are feeling down, upset and uptight, up against a timeline, or feeling hot and bothered for any myriad of reasons.
When I watch little children play, it tugs at my heart to see them so quickly get to know one another, to say encouraging things, to show loving kindness inherently. Sometimes, the weight of the world – as we grow- pushes down the innate ability to be kind, in the simplest of ways. How do we look to everyone around us? What if we just don’t feel like it? What if we’re angry and want to take it out on someone? What if……..
So many reasons to withhold benevolence, if we’re looking for one. But so many advantages, once we choose a more compassionate way of communicating.
Through exercising increased kindness we may find that some of the daily frustrations dissipate. Our ability to show good will can have the amazing effect of increasing our leadership ability, growing harmony in the school or workplace where we spend a great deal of time, and adding to the love and unity in our families. Like children on a playground, it becomes easier to share positive words and less important to get even. Thus, it’s easier to get over it!
One of the best things about our ability to treat others as we would have them treat us is an increase in our fun and joy factor. Watch in your family and friend circle for the additional smiles, giggles, and happy voices that accompany each extra effort at showing loving care. Even if no one else notices, it feels good for us to know we have conquered a bad mood enough to weigh our actions before ‘sharing’ them, or that we have stifled a hasty word that would be mean spirited. In the long haul, what a blessing to build more memories of good stuff and have less memories of “what should or could have been, if only….”.
Kindness is amazing in its way of connecting us, bonding us, and blessing us.
The very short story below made me smile when I read it. For a story of few words, it teaches a lengthy moral!
A Rope Named Kindness
I saw a boy coming towards me with a sheep running after him.
“No wonder the sheep follows you so closely,” I remarked, “attached to you as it is by that rope around its neck.”
The boy laughed and released the animal. Off it went, frolicking in delight.
Then the boy made to move on. Immediately the sheep came to his heel and followed close behind. The youth smiled and gave it some barley.
“You were right, wise man,” he said, “but as you see, the name of the rope is kindness.”
Though this world might tout the use of force, the Lord’s way is a way of free will. He never forces us to do what is right, but rather teaches by loving example. While “he who has the gold makes the rules” might favor the rich man over the simple peasant, there will be no such distinction when we live in a better place. And though egos and arrogance allow many a person to misuse their bit of power or authority, those who learn to lead with loving kindness are those who find favor in the sight of man and in the sight of God. When all is said and done, what will matter?
Like the little boy who loved his sheep, the Lord loves his flock. When we follow Him, we become more and more aware of His amazing kindness. By studying and emulating Him, we become part of a higher sphere of living… one where kindness is key. The blessings and benefits are amazing.
