In small letters it says, “IN A WORLD WHERE YOU CAN BE ANYTHING.”
Then in much larger font, “BE KIND.”
The source of this directive is a small, embroidered cloth displayed on a metal support. In front of the home of an extremely nice neighbor.
Such simple words of advice.
So why are these words so hard to follow? It doesn’t require much observational skill to find evidence of little adherence. Think of a food store’s parking lot to find instances.
It doesn’t mean, “Be kind if you like someone’s political view.’
It doesn’t mean, “Be kind because you’re speaking with a relative.”
It doesn’t’ mean, “Be kind because someone can do you a favor.”
It does mean, “Be kind.” Period.
Some, a very few, individuals can adhere to the suggestion and apply it to all. I am sorry to say I cannot. I can’t find it in my heart to have kind thoughts about murderers, child molesters, wife beaters, animal torturers, and more. I cannot find kindness in any part of my body for those evil men and women who through power and innate cruelty are transforming our nation into autocracy.
So, from a practical point of view, what does the admonition mean? There is no simple answer for all. We each have to decide how to treat the various folks we encounter in our daily lives.
For me, it is to be kind when I feel I have a choice.
For example, I try to be kind to those in my neighborhood I know or suspect voted for the current administration.
I try to be kind when someone is rude to me in a store.
I try to be kind, not always successfully, when there is domestic discord.
But what’s the big deal by being kind? Why even bother, especially if you recognize there are situations, perhaps many situations, where you definitely are not going to be kind?
Well, it’s probably unrealistic dreaming, but what if each of us just expanded the circle of our kindness a little? Would that effort by all of us combine to affect the world we live in in a significantly better way?
I like to think so.
Then in much larger font, “BE KIND.”
The source of this directive is a small, embroidered cloth displayed on a metal support. In front of the home of an extremely nice neighbor.
Such simple words of advice.
So why are these words so hard to follow? It doesn’t require much observational skill to find evidence of little adherence. Think of a food store’s parking lot to find instances.
It doesn’t mean, “Be kind if you like someone’s political view.’
It doesn’t mean, “Be kind because you’re speaking with a relative.”
It doesn’t’ mean, “Be kind because someone can do you a favor.”
It does mean, “Be kind.” Period.
Some, a very few, individuals can adhere to the suggestion and apply it to all. I am sorry to say I cannot. I can’t find it in my heart to have kind thoughts about murderers, child molesters, wife beaters, animal torturers, and more. I cannot find kindness in any part of my body for those evil men and women who through power and innate cruelty are transforming our nation into autocracy.
So, from a practical point of view, what does the admonition mean? There is no simple answer for all. We each have to decide how to treat the various folks we encounter in our daily lives.
For me, it is to be kind when I feel I have a choice.
For example, I try to be kind to those in my neighborhood I know or suspect voted for the current administration.
I try to be kind when someone is rude to me in a store.
I try to be kind, not always successfully, when there is domestic discord.
But what’s the big deal by being kind? Why even bother, especially if you recognize there are situations, perhaps many situations, where you definitely are not going to be kind?
Well, it’s probably unrealistic dreaming, but what if each of us just expanded the circle of our kindness a little? Would that effort by all of us combine to affect the world we live in in a significantly better way?
I like to think so.
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