Kindness

So the lesson I'm going to teach today has to do with kindness.  When I first looked at it, I thought it would be a "slam-dunk", you know, one of those things you can run through sorta with a "duh" attitude.  Kindness - yes, everyone should be kind, everyone should practice this trait, give some examples, bam, you're done.  Nope, I don't think so.

Here's what I learned in my study:  Being kind is sometimes difficult.  It is a choice.  A kindness is truly a kindness when it is received by someone who:  (a)  may not "deserve" it, (b) does not expect it, (c) requires a sacrifice on your part, (d) is done without thought of what you will receive in return.  Being kind involves not only taking action to meet a need, but also can be facilitated by the words you speak to others. 

Do you know anyone who is truly kind?  I've been the recipient of many acts of kindness over the years but I think one that stands out is an act so "small' and simple that the person, who I don't even know their name, was unaware the impact they had.  It was a busy weekday evening, about 5:30, many years ago.  I was standing in line at the small grocery store near my home, however, the store was packed, as it often was, with people similar to me-working moms stopping in to get something to fix for dinner that evening.  I was tired and weary from a job which absolutely drained me.  My three children at home were around 12, 14, and 16 and it seemed we were having one crisis after another in my family.  As I waited in line, I grew more and more impatient, and upset about the fact that there seemed to be never enough checkers in the store. Finally, my turn came and after pulling my cart up in the lane, the cashier unloaded my groceries to begin to scan them.  I stood at the check-writing shelf and got my checkbook out, wondering if I had enough money to pay for food this week.  After greeting me, the cashier looked at my face and said something like this:   "You look really tired.  You must have had a long, hard, day, now you have to go home and fix dinner!  I'm so sorry you had to wait in line."  Drip, drip, drip.  These words fell onto a parched and weary soul, and I looked back at her.  For the first time I saw dark circles around HER eyes and a weariness about her, but then, she smiled at me and there we were, two weary women understanding each other all because she cared enough to express kindness to me when I appeared out of sorts to her. 

I've never forgotten it.  I don't even know her name, but I've never forgotten that feeling as I left that store and went home to my kids.  Kind words matter!  They buoy and lift the spirit like no other - especially when said to those who least deserve them, expect them, or who cannot give you anything in return.

Kindness.  I encourage you to practice it this week, and start with those who are nearest to you.  Here's a reminder:  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  (Ephesians 4:32)    

January 3

Thankfulness first:  I went to an inservice today - I could complain about this but you know, looking for things to be grateful for helps me to view things with a little different perspective.  I got a parking ticket because I forgot to feed the meter - but - I have a car that works fine, AND, I have 15.00 to send to the city coffers.  Temperature in the room at the ISC was just fine - not too hot, not too cold.  The topic of the inservice was "somewhat" interesting so I wasn't completely bored ALL the time.  How's that?

Iowa caucus is tonight.  I am interested to see what the results are - however, I did read the paper an Iowa university professor wrote who was questioning why we have allowed Iowa such a position in the spotlight as they do not "represent America" accurately. Here's the link if you are interested: 

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/12/observations-from-20-years-of-iowa-life/249401

That's it for today! 

January 1

I just got done reading about a man who a couple of years ago, sent 365 thank you notes to people in a year - like snail mail handwritten thank you notes, and how that changed his life.  Every day - not only being thankful, but being thankful to another human being for something - I can well imagine that this would give a new perspective about things, and very quickly.  He has written a book about his experience which has just recently been published  ("365 Thank Yous - The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life" by John Krauk). 

Thinking about this - I wondered if I actually could write 365 notes to 365 different people - do I even know that many people - and not only that, do I have a spirit of gratitude about my life's circumstances which would allow me to do that?  Off the top of my head, here are 10 people I could thank today this very minute in no particular order - so if you read this and your name is at the bottom of the list, don't freak out!  I have not included family because - well, I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate you every day!

Dr. Bakken - a professor at WSU who told me early on in my "going back to school" career that she had great confidence in my ability to stay in school and complete the school psychologist program successfully when I was doubting if I could. 

Noma Curtis - former music director at Parkview Church - thank you for mentoring me, being my friend, and for helping me to grow as a musician.

Jill Rust - speech therapist (retired) who worked at the very first school I was assigned to (albeit briefly), and who, on a day I was about to throw it all in gave me a little train engine with the encouraging words - Yes you can!  You can do it!

Lynn Wells - thanks for being one of the best supervisors I've ever worked for.  Enjoy your retirement!

Lisa - you cut and color my hair every couple of months and what a pleasant experience it always is for me to come in and have you work your magic!

Debi Patry -- your bright smile at Braums as I'm shopping is always a day brightener for me.

Loy Burnett - For the last 30 years, I have so much appreciated your willingness to keep our old cars running, and to always treat us fairly when we have to bring one of them in.  Thank you for all you do for us.

I don't know your name - but you work at the Donut Whole and you made me the most delicious sugar free peppermint mocha the other day!  Thank you for your cheerful attitude and willingness to go the second mile.

Karen Wallace - I will never ever forget what you did for me (you know what), my first year working in USD 259.  I remain very grateful to this very day - 6 years later. 

Dianna - Thank you for opening your home on Tuesday nights for an eclectic group of women to gather and to discuss biblical topics.  I am grateful for your service.