There are all kinds of quotes, poems, songs, and images produced around what even a drop of kindness can do. This morning I was thinking about someone who was given an opportunity to show a little kindness, but didn’t. I have to say my reaction and my neighbor’s reaction was not kind either. I am sure that this is not the first time I have had the opportunity to show a little kindness and I didn’t. I am also pretty sure it wasn’t the first time for the woman who wouldn’t move her pick up so the movers could be close to our neighbors front door.
I am not dwelling on her actions or my poor reaction except to remind myself that kindness is different from indifference. It won’t be the last act of unkindness I will encounter, nor will it be the last time I react unkindly either. Kindness takes action albeit it only a small action many of the times, and it takes effort. Often to be kind we must overcome prejudices, betrayals, rudeness, or unkindness visited upon us. It takes practice and a mindset.
To be kind to the person who wasn’t kind to my neighbor and the moving men required me to let go of a few things — being self-righteous and being judgmental, for example. To be kind I am not asked to be a saint, blameless, or even a better person. I simply must make the effort.
I want to be a kind person, and my experience with the woman who wouldn’t move her truck teaches me not to worry so much about her, but to worry and work on myself.
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