Kindness is Contagious

Dear Lord; Good morning Father!

In recent months Father, my children have become much more observant of the people around them and the things they say and do.  This of course has led to LOTS of questions about behaviors and mannerisms, and why people act in certain ways.  Following a car ride we took over the weekend, I started thinking much more in-depth about what they’re asking and the responses I’ve been giving them.

“Why do people throw trash on the ground?” asked Aidan as he looked out the car window Saturday afternoon.  “Because sometimes, people can be lazy and selfish I’m afraid.” I responded.  A little further down the road, I put my turn signal on to move over into a different lane.  When I did so, instead of making space to let me in the driver of the car next to me closed the gap between themselves and the car in front of them, effectively preventing the lane-change.  Sensing my annoyance, one of the boys piped up “Why’d they do that?”.  “Because sometimes people only think about themselves.” I replied.

As I look back on that ride, I’m a little disappointed by the answers I gave to the boys.  These were prime openings for much deeper discussions about how our actions or inactions can affect others, and how with little acts of kindness and thoughtfulness we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us.  Little things like holding onto your napkin from lunch until you find a trash can, or moving aside when you see someone with their turn signal on cost us very little effort,  and yet can be the difference between a smile and “the last straw” of someone’s day.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

In the same respect Lord, I am also convicted by my own words as well.  In a rush to get to work in the morning, how many times have I cut someone off without thinking about it?  How many times have I not stopped to help someone in need when I truly could have?  How often have I focused on situations in my own life instead of trying to reach out to others going through difficult times?  I do try to be a good person and show kindness and comfort to others, but if I’m brutally honest with myself I know I can do more.

Heavenly Father, please help guide me to be a source of compassion, support and understanding to those around me.  Lead me to reach out in the spirit of Your Love, and to show that Light to others.  Kindness is contagious Lord; Please aid me in starting an epidemic.  Amen.

~Phather Phil