Of course I didn’t mean that word! This is a G-rated family friendly blog. A newspaper picture expressed my word non-verbally. A woman sits in her car with the window down, gloved hands reaching out to receive four styrofoam boxes that hold meals for her family. The giver of the boxes has his back to the camera. His hands, though, are holding the boxes steady until the transfer is complete. He has chosen to be cold himself and redirect his plans for the day to be a part of that word in a time of stress: KIND.
That image started me thinking how many times someone’s actions help ease a situation. You probably have your own story from last week of being the receiver or the giver of kindness to others. The sources could be a combination of blood relatives to the rescue or of the new term in today’s paper, “chosen families.” One Smith child took me to a warm house while my dwelling played power roulette. Another restarted water back when the thaw came and was able to put the most demanding problem on hold until, oh, maybe later this spring when plumbers have helped others with more pressing repairs. The third offspring, not on site, called to check-up and offer words of encouragement.
Between Kirby and Montrose, the drums of kindness beat on Swift Blvd. Through the week, texts went back and forth. Some were announcing that the power is on, no, off again, so I didn’t have to drive over to check. I thought I had a water problem under control until a neighbor called, “I hear a rushing sound in your back yard.” Four different families offered to share soup if I needed food. Neighbors met in the middle of the street on Monday to give thanks and report who still had open switches.
A disaster can bring out kindness. That action, though, is welcome any time from anyone. The short Asian employee at Kroger’s self-checkout recognizes that I usually make a mistake and appears at my shoulder to swipe her card. nod her head, and smile as she says, “There!” My battery died and the one-man tow truck who was taking it to the dealer banished a concerned decision of mine by saying, “You ride with me.” Kind is a word I am planning to keep at the forefront of my dealings with friend and stranger, even if that resolution requires staying focused. Yesterday I had to tell me to keep my voice calm and soft while the customer service rep in another state couldn’t get my name right and wasn’t speaking to my request. I ended the exchange feeling less stressed and, hopefully, she really meant, “Thank you for calling.” Psalm 119 is 176 verses based on being faithful to God’s decrees and commandments. One of the more important is those words we may have learned first as a child and certainly need to pass on to children who follow us.
And be kind to one another. Ephesians 4:32
Let Me Tell Ya 