Always Choose Kindness

Love Kindness

Can true kindness ever be separated from love? I wonder why Micah chose the phrase “love kindness.” He didn’t say, “be kind” as he said, “do justice.” Anyone can do something kind from time to time, but to love kindness it has to become who we are; the action is just a natural outpouring of our love for kindness. Maybe if we make it a practice to do kind things and look for opportunities to be kind, the actions lead to loving kindness?

True kindness is extended to another human being (or animal) without expectation of reward, reciprocity, and is blind to all extraneous characteristics – wealth, education, position, social rank, race, gender, citizen or alien, homeless or our neighbor, and the biggest criteria of them all – despite whether or not we deem the person worthy of our kindness.

Could the doing, lead to seeing others differently, which in turn leads to the love for kindness?

It is not our place to judge worth. Every person with whom you come in contact is created in the image and likeness of God. They may not fit our narrow idea of a worthy recipient of kindness, but God expects — and Jesus modeled — us to be kind to everyone.

I woke this morning remembering two events in my life in which a stranger was sent across my path asking for help. Both happened during my years as the school nurse at a private Christian school in Houston. We won’t delve into my imposter syndrome, but it must be mentioned because I suffered badly from it at this time in my life. In both of the situations I had a choice to make; I know I chose wisely.

A Frantic Mother

On my way home from work, wearing a nurse’s uniform, a frantic woman came running up to me crying for me to help her child. She was holding an infant, who, despite its mother’s obvious fear, rested comfortably in her arms. My memory is a big foggy as this was a long time ago. I don’t believe she spoke fluent English so communication was difficult. I quickly figured out that her baby had fallen and bumped its head. I saw a small red spot on its forehead but otherwise it seemed unscathed. I did my best to ask the right questions and then reassure her as well as instruct her about caring and watching at home. She left comforted and grateful.

Compassionate Children

The other event is as clear in my mind as if it happened yesterday. A homeless man was brought to me by three young students at a private Christian school where I was the nurse. He had a wound that needed attention. For a moment I wondered what the head of school, teachers and parents would say about me allowing this man into the school building. I decided to err on the side of loving kindness. I dressed his wound and then escorted him out of the building and watched as he left the property. The head of the school did find out and said she wished I had not let him into the building, but also appreciated what I had done.

In both of these stories I had a choice. I laid aside my fear of getting into trouble with my employer, or making a mistake by miscommunicating with a frightened mother. I trusted God.

Why, more than 25 years later did these thoughts come to me as I opened my eyes? I think so I could share it with you.

Until tomorrow, sow seeds of kindness,

Sheryl