Serve With Kindness 🌼
Building a life you love is fantastic. But what if the life you love could also contribute to the world in an even better, bigger, and bolder way?
There are so many "go get 'em' books there about how to achieve your dreams and make big things happen, but what I find is missing in many of those messages is the ways in which your beautiful life could contribute to the bigger picture of God's image. How can this life you love inspire others, help others, and serve others? I would love share about doing all things with kindness by serving and loving others well.
This seems elementary right? Let's all be kind. Easier said than done sometimes though.
We are all human, so although kindness may be our goal, each of us still occasionally experience jealousy, grumpiness, sadness, hurt, a short temper, regret and anger.
But what if we cultivated a spirit of grace that we extended to those around us? In his bestselling book Unoffendable, Brant Hansen says "Anger is extraordinary easy.
It's our default setting. Love is very difficult. Love is a miracle.
Have you ever been scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and come across a post by someone about politics, parenting, or some other hot topic that immediately raised your hackles? Perhaps in that moment you felt like you needed to engage, to prove a point, to set them straight. I know I have. Sitting behind keyboards makes us feel a little anonymous sometimes, a little braver than we would be if we were having a conversation at the grocery store.
But what if, instead of engaging, poised to tap out a pointed response, we stepped back? What if we simply chose to leave it alone? To walk away? Sometimes the kindest thing we can say is actually nothing at all.
That person who left that snarky comment on your Instagram post? Delete it and move on. You're in control of your space. You're a grown woman. Remember, hurt people hurt people and humans are exactly that—human. It may hurt. A lot of crappy things have been said about and to me online. But it would accomplish nothing for me or for the people who said those things to get angry, to fuss, to spout back with a well-wounded retort.
How about the person who bumped into you at your face and didn't even acknowledge their mistake? Take a breath. Perhaps they're in a hurry because they have a sick child at home. Or maybe they're just being a jerk. Either way, it's okay.
All of this circles back to the idea that we don't always have to be on guard, ready to swoop in to our battle stations at a moment's notice. What an exhausting way to live. But that doesn't mean we can't hold strong beliefs! If you hold a certain belief, you can do things that actually move the needle on that issue, whatever it might be, instead of spending your time losing your temper online. Nothing is ever really accomplished that way. It just provides interesting, dramatic reading material for others to waste their time on (and also stirs up other people's anger).
I've found it very rewarding to walk away from heated conversations and put my time or money or whatever it is where my words would have been. Do you feel strongly about racial justice? Looks for ways you can get active in your community. Do you have a heart for single moms, broken-home kids or street dogs? Volunteer to babysit, donate clothing, gift cards, and more. Is the health of our planet important to you? Then do something! Take your loved ones to do something FUN and meaningful. Do what you can where you are when it comes to what's important to you.
Our world is tough. It's a fallen world. Everyone has an opinion, and most people are easily offended. We draw lines in the sand—us and them. We deprive groups that don't look or believe or love like us basic human rights. We don't pay both genders or even all races equally. It's messy out there. And people are hurting, suffering, and starved for love, equality, and acceptance, and most of all, kindness. Maybe you're even experiencing some of this right now.
Kindness counts. 💕
Kindness is spread through that customer service email you send. Kindness is spread during that phone converstaion. Kindness is spread through that favor you do, the extra little bit of effort or generosity you throw in, the way you let someone know you're thinking of them. Perhaps the most powerful thing you do in the world is the way you give others love freely, regardless of whether you think they've earned it or will even appreciate it. Actively love them anyway.
As you step out and build the life you love—as you mindfully and intentionally build, stone by stone, the life you love—you'll find countless opportunities to do this. Write a personal note with that order you mail out. Set yourself a reminder of the day your best friend's birthdayso you can send her a note to let her know you're thinking of her. Text your parents who have a doctor appointment today. Ask how someone is doing in a work email instead of jumping straight to tasks. Make your partner's favorite dish tonight, just because you know he had a big meeting or a busy day at work. While you're at it, love yourself a little bit extra too. Draw a warm bath and light a candle (why not?). Go to bed a little earlier. Set the nice break up for tomorrow morning so it's waiting for you in the early hours.
A little kindness and a little love can go a long way. We saw this specifically during the Coronavirus pandemic. We saw musicians singing on Instagram to lift the spirits of the their followers, seamstress sewing masks instead of their usual goods to help healthcare workers, and friends delivering baked goodies or fresh cut flowers to front doors to show neighbors they are loved.
Reflection 🌻
- What is one random act of kindness you could do today, without much effort, to start the domino effect of kindness around you?
- Who do you need to thank? Name that person. Make that call, give that hug, or send that text.
 |
| Tampa, 2022 |
Comments
Post a Comment