In a burdensome world, respond well by nurturing kindness

One of my favourite proverbs is, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  It’s from the ancient book of Proverbs (4:23).  This proverb can be used as a commentary of our inner life and how we tend it.

If we tend our inner life with the things this world gives it, we largely live without defence and we therefore don’t guard our heart.  This is the reason many of us have a devotional life.  We read edifying things, play enriching podcasts and music, and engage in soul-lifting activities.

One way we can tap into our inner life in a really beneficial way is through nurturing kindness.  We think in ways of kindness and it leads to kind acts.  The more we practice kindness, the more we tend our heart with care.  It is one way to respond to this life that will throw all kinds of mess our way.

Even as we’re spent for ways to unpack this year, amid the flurry of activity as the year draws to a close, and within perhaps a life where conflict looms larger than it should, we’re still positioned to respond in any way we choose.

We all have the capacity for kindness; to speak gently and considerately, to behave respectfully, to give generously, to impart good for evil, to bring sunshine in the presence of rain.

To think and to act kindly requires some form of agreement that we’ll do so.

For instance, when someone comes in and addresses us rudely, we can respond in a way that would be good for them and us.  It does neither of us any good to be the doormat.  But we can at least attempt to be the circuit breaker.  We can ask, “Are you okay?  You seem upset.”

If we’re able to show the kindness of care, they may see the invitation for what it is.  If they continue being disrespectful, we can continue showing gentle strength of care by being kind.  If we maintain our composure, they may soon sense that their curtness isn’t having the effect they thought it would.

I know this is just a scenario, but through kindness we can pacify many situations that too easily become filled with conflict.  It all starts with a nurturing of kindness in our own heart.

This kindness is a real power for good in many situations that seem out of our control.

A little unexpected kindness can be just the cushion burdened people need.  We all need such a cushion from time to time.  When we’re burdened, one way to shift that overwhelmed feeling is through being a positive influence in another person’s life.

We can be the ripple of love in others’ lives, a force for good on mission for peace.

There are so many simple opportunities each and every day to be kind.  Offering smiles as people work past; notice what that smile does inside you.  Offering a helping hand when it’s least expected; notice how it only took about 8 seconds or ten minutes to completely bless someone.  Offering a word of encouragement on the spur of the moment; notice how when you go through with it, all it costs is a little sincere thought and creative use of your words, and it may be the only encouragement they receive all day.

Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash