Kindness

Kindness - How does it look to you? Do you consider yourself a kind person? Is it something you think about?

Puppy has been sick for over two weeks now. Throughout this time period, we have been shown a lot of kindness from her home school coop teachers being understanding of her not being able to do schoolwork to balloon bouquets, homemade cookies and a hot meal delivered ready to eat. The acts of kindness from very dear friends as well as from those whom are only casual acquaintances has made me stop and think about kindness.

Am I kind? Do I go out of my way to be kind? Are some people just naturally kind? Do you have to learn to be kind? Is it easier to be kind to some people than it is to other people?

I think there are days that I am a really kind person and then there are days . . . well . . . that I am not. I do believe that some people are just naturally kinder than others. I also believe that one can learn to be kind. I have one child who is just naturally kinder than my other child. (If you know my kids, you can try to figure out which is which.) The one that is not so naturally kind has truly worked at becoming kinder and has been successful. I see a difference in how the sibling is treated. Proof that it can be done! Kudos to that child for making the effort.

In Ephesians 4:32 KJV, we are commanded to be kind:

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Hmmm . . . looks like being kind includes forgiveness. Maybe that is because we are to be forgiving when someone isn't so kind?

Being kind is something that I not only want for myself, but I also desire for my kids. And my kids are more apt to act in accordance with what they have witnessed.  That's another reason for me to strive to be a kind person.

If kindness is as difficult for you as it is for me at times, with God's help you can live a kinder life. All you have to do is ask!

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him.  

                                                                                                    I John 5:14 and 15 NIV

May you find JOY in being kind to someone today!

Tami