Kindness Matters

by Michele Boy | June 23, 2022

Here I am less than an hour from deadline trying to come up with something to write about. 
Many newspapers have begun to remove or lessen their opinion section. With social media and daily news outlets opinions, people have grown weary of more opinion. At least according to their surveys. 
I don’t care for being told someone’s opinions either. I do appreciate those who push me to think critically. 
I appreciate personal experiences and their outcomes. When people spout off their indignations I tend to shut down. If we haven’t walked in their shoes how do we know what it is like. 
Many people today are living in desperation. I have always appreciated the Salvation Army’s theory that you need to offer a shower and a meal to someone. Basically help meet their needs for them to be in a place to hear you. 
It seems the general tone by the loudest folks is let me tell you what’s wrong with you.
It is rarely a let me take a look at myself and what is this trying to teach me?
  It’s tough isn’t it? It takes courage, a willingness to be vulnerable and not run away or leave a difficult situation. None are my strengths.  
  In truth life is a journey. In some ways I have taken full advantage by getting extremely uncomfortable and trying new and different things to help my point of view and perspective. In other ways I have failed miserably with a lack of roots and years of depression and wrong choices. And as they say in the movie A River Runs Through It - I had a lack of stick-to-it-ivity. Regardless it made me who I am today. 
  When I was younger I yearned for anonymity. I wanted to be far away from people who knew me and I could do whatever I wanted. Well be careful what you wish for, you may surely get it. 
Anonymity is lonely and sad. No one is looking out for you.  And if something happens to you, it is rare that anyone cares.
  And while small towns mean everyone can be in your business, it also means people are watching out for you too.
  Small towns have a great way of offering accountability, if you are looking for it.  
And it taught me that I can love people and not agree with them. Some friendships I appreciate are those that push both of us to consider another opinion,  be happy with our own, be willing to disagree and continue the friendship. 
  As I write this a father is about to bury his young son, a truly unimaginable experience. One I do not want! But many in our small town rallied to support a young boy’s family with funeral assistance, food, and prayers. Many who don’t even know the family -The beauty of a small town. 
We hurt for those in pain. We put aside our differences to come together when it really matters. I hope we all remember that as we find so many things to disagree on. 
  Perhaps we could start off each day with a kind thought for someone we struggle with. I guess that is really all I can do.  Maybe, try to offer a bit of kindness to the next person I meet, add something positive to this universe.
Send someone a note, buy someone a small meaningful gift,  and hope that sends a wave of goodness along. 
   Desmond Tutu wrote, “God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.“