Monday, October 15, 2012

Show The World Some Kindness

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. -- Proverbs 12:25

Sometimes life is just plain hard. Economic worries, job stress, kids’ demands, and life in general just eats away at us. It’s easy to become discouraged.

We’ve all been there. And having been there we can understand how important it is to use words to build people up rather than tear them down. A few words of encouragement can really make a difference when you’re having a bad day.

Here in the Deep South, it’s customary to lift your hand or at least a few fingers to acknowledge other drivers who are kind to you. For example, when someone lets you move in front of them. It’s just a way to say thanks and let them know you appreciate what they did. We don’t see that as much anymore and it‘s really kind of sad.

People are too quick to blow their horns and fuss at the slightest infraction. I’m guilty. Then I have to ask myself why I think my time, my plans, are more important that that of someone else. The other person has just as much right to be on the road as I do. Deep breaths and kindness.

We can practice kindness every day. We can smile and say thank you to the harried clerk at the supermarket. We can tell our child’s teacher how much we appreciate her caring attitude. We can leave a little extra for the waitress who went out of her way. We can offer a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, to the people who cross our paths.

A few years ago our neighbors pulled up some bushes that framed their driveway. The bushes, while pretty, hindered our ability to see traffic as we attempted to leave our driveway. I wrote them a thank you note. Was it necessary? Probably not. But I wanted to acknowledge how much I appreciated them doing something they didn’t have to do.

When was the last time you told someone “thank you,” and really meant it? When was the last time you told someone “good job” with a look in the eye and a smile? Simple words, like saying “I love you” to those you love and not assuming they know and don’t need to hear the words.

Your words have the power to harm or to build up. Your words can help turn someone life around. Don’t ever use words frivolously or withhold encouragement because “they already know.” Kindness matters. Pass it on.