Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and
dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness
and patience.
I have recently noticed an increase in the use of the word
kind. While used as a compliment, it is often met with a tinge of
surprise. Even though I am glad to know that we are becoming a community
where kindness is nurtured, there is a note of sadness when people are
surprised by it.
My grandmother always watched out for people. She had
the sweetest and kindest heart. If she knew someone would be alone on a
holiday, she opened her home and made them feel like family. She was
often thinking of others and used her kindness to share with people that they
were special, and thought of. That might be a card for a friend having a
bad time, it might be fresh cookies for neighbors who were getting ready for
travel, but it could be as simple as smiling at someone in the grocery
store. She understood that a successful community was one that loved and
cared for each other.
It might seem like some communities are too big for kindness
to take root. I disagree, I think that kind and simple things can
go a long way. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. This spring I
want to think about ways that I can nurture kindness and watch it grow. Not for recognition, and not as some kind of penance, but because we love and
care for each other as God’s chosen people.
Prayer: Creator God, help us all to share your kindness with those
around us. Please be with me now and always, reminding me of the simple
ways that people can feel special, welcome and loved. Amen.
Christi Moock
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