The word “kindness” may sound limpid, but I believe it is
the strongest expression of love. If you notice a decline in human kindness,
you’re not alone. I was saddened and
shocked by research done by the University of Michigan which states: “After the
year 2000, College kids today are about forty percent lower in empathy
(kindness) than their counterparts of twenty or thirty years ago.” That was the beginning of the media age and
kids grew up with access to games that eventually numb people to the pain of
others. When we become isolated and
selfish, we don’t make time to be kind.
I am so grateful for people who still live their lives the
way the Jesus taught us in the Bible which says: “…you should practice tender-hearted
mercy and kindness to others” (Colossians 3:12 TLB). It takes unselfishness and
time to stop our busy lives and make a phone call, deliver a meal, drop off a
flower, or invite someone out for dinner.
It’s been five months since the death of my second husband
and I am still receiving tender-hearted kindness from many people. At the end of the third month I hit a wall
and needed emotional and physical support.
When I prayed and asked God for help He used kind people to be His hands
and feet to help me with every aspect of my life. Throughout my grieving
journey, kind people have been my greatest gift. Those who took me in when I
could not function on my own. Those who came to stay in my home and support me
with meals and daily functions. Those who checked in with me every day to make
sure I was O.K. Even the simple things like a card in the mail or in my Inbox, or joining me on a walk or a cup of tea. Those people who made the time to extend kindness have literally changed
my life
Kindness is not being a doormat or acquiescing to
uncomfortable or unrealistic demands. Kindness is a sincere desire to allow the
Holy Spirit to shape our hearts like Jesus, overflowing with compassion. To
follow the example of Jesus, we need to re-adjust our over-abundant,
over-complicated and busy lives to make time for a hurting world.
Modelling kindness to our younger generation is the first
step to changing the statistics that our next generation is self-centered and
uncaring. Through the astounding kindness that I have received in the last five
months, I know that when I have the strength and ability, I will make it my
life mission to extend kindness wherever I go.
I believe it’s the greatest legacy I can leave.
University of Michigan research: http://ns.umich.edu/new/releases, 7724, September 12, 2015
Heidi McLaughlin lives in the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan Valley
in Kelowna, British Columbia. Heidi has been widowed twice. She is a mom and
step mom of a wonderful, eclectic blended family of 5 children and 12
grandchildren. When Heidi is not working, she loves to curl up with a great
book, or golf and laugh with her family and special friends.
Her latest book RESTLESS FOR MORE: Fulfillment in Unexpected Places
(Including a FREE downloadable Study Guide) is now available at Amazon.ca;
Amazon.com, Goodreads.com or her website: www.heartconnection.ca
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2 comments:
Thank you Heidi. I appreciate your transparent sharing of both the difficult aspects of your grieving journey - indicating times of dependency - as well as those that show your courage, faith and strength, through the grace of our Lord. I'm sure this is helpful for those who have suffered loss of spouse and is insightful for those of us who haven't as yet walked that path. ~~+~~
Hi, Heidi
Thank you for reminding us the important act of kindness. I have not dealt with the loss of a husband, but I am so glad to know that you were surrounded by people who cared for you. It's interesting that today I saw an article for the C3 church that my son and daughter-in-law have been supporting in Toronto and now are in the core group starting a similar work in Victoria. I know that Toronto Life is a very secular magazine, so there is no mention of the impact of Christ in their lives, but lots of evidence of the need for connecting and caring. Have a look at why these young people are attending this radically different congregation. http://torontolife.com/city/life/c3-church-easter-streeters/
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