I was a child a long time ago when I learned the Bible verse, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted forgiving one another” from Ephesians 4: 32. In these days we’re living, if ever we needed to be kind to each other, I believe it is now. Good friends in the Hickory Nut Gorge are struggling because of the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Some have lost their homes, possessions and employment. There is no way to understand all of this, unless it has happened to one of us.
There are days I’d rather lash out to those who are trying to sell my joy and peace. Truthfully, no one really steals our joy or kindness unless we allow that. Another topic for another day. Several good friends have stickers on their cars that tell those who pass them by to “Be Kind.”
Being kind is something we can all be and do if we just work at it. The cartoonist asks the child “what do you want to be when you grow up?” And the child replies, “I want to be kind.”
Wonder what a world we’d live if we honestly practiced being kind to our peers, family, friends and yes, enemies.
It is true, we might not can change the world, but we can change the world for someone else. A child, a young person, an adult or senior citizen.
Remember when you were a child at school and that particular person was never kind? Perhaps you remember that underdog who’d give anything to be included and just wanted to be shown kindness.
Now think about that teacher, friend, bus driver or custodian who was the kindest you’d ever known and when you think of these, a smile comes across your face. These words came from hellowonderful.com and are reminders of how we can change the life of a child or anyone else by just being kind and encouraging. Try these;
I’m so proud of you
You are so loved
You make the world brighter
You’re amazing just the way you are
You are so creative
I believe in you
You’re a great problem solver
You are enough
I love your sense of humor
You have a kind heart
You’re brave for trying
You make me smile
Your ideas matter
I love how curious you are
It’s okay to make mistakes
You’re so thoughtful
You are important
You’re a great friend
You inspire me
You’re capable of great things
You did a great job
You have a beautiful mind
I love how you think
You’re stronger than you know
I’m so lucky to know you
You have so many talents
I love spending time with you
You’re so unique
You light up the room
You have a great imagination
You’re a good listener
You’re so unique
I trust you
You’re a good listener
I appreciate you
Your hard work is paying off
You’re so helpful
I love your creativity
You’re a good leader
Your kindness makes a difference
I admire your determination
You’re learning so much
I love how you are about others
You’re so fun to be around
You’re doing your best
You’re a great team player
You make me so happy
I’m grateful for you
You’re a star
You have a big heart
You’re growing into an incredible person.
I wonder what would happen if we practiced some of these words with family? Or the people we hang out with or those who think differently than we do?
We might not change our world right now, but we can make a difference in our corner with those with whom we come in contact.
Jean Gordon is an award-winning journalist, spending nearly 50 years writing about Rutherford County in newspapers in our county.