Kindness is the theme this week
Rob and I traveled to see the great Luke Kuechly inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We have been so excited about this trip and I was not going to let back pain keep me from going. I managed to make additional therapy appointments and stayed on top of all my exercises to get to the point where I could at least participate in all the events. Thankfully, the plane ride was short and each of the events have given me the opportunity to stretch and move around. When we arrived at our hotel with our group, it became evident that they were not ready for our large numbers and struggled to get us rooms. The next morning, we were supposed to have a free breakfast but that did not work out and the poor lady at the counter was not prepared for the large volume of people all coming at the same time since we had to catch the bus for our first event. Rob and I just smiled and were understanding. We thanked her for all she did and said we hoped her day would get better. This morning, we had a similar issue and the same woman was doing her best to keep up with all of us. Same as yesterday, we treated her with kindness even though frustrations were high all around. As I took my wallet out to pay, she used a coupon and gave us our breakfast for free. I shared earlier this week in the blog titled “A kind word or gesture goes a long way towards healing” that God calls us to be kind to others, not for what we can expect in return, but because God calls us to love all His children. This week I have been reminded that in times of stress, when things are difficult, and even when in pain, a gentle word goes a long way to calming any situation. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NIV) I can’t help but wonder, how would these two days been different if I let anger or frustration rule the day, versus being patient and kind. How would the lady at the counter greeted me the next morning if I had yelled at her for circumstances beyond her control? We have a choice in how we respond, God calls us to lead with love (lwl).
This entire trip has been full of mishaps and I am sure many are frustrated beyond belief. Rob and I shared this morning as we got to the parade just in time to see the back of Luke Kuechly’s head and Sir Purr’s dancing back, that at least we are here. Instead of being frustrated at what we missed, we moved on and enjoyed the marching bands, antique cars, and a town that comes out in full force to celebrate these amazing athletes. Instead of getting frustrated at my slow moving and being passed by EVERYONE in our group, I take my time and enjoy the time spent with Rob in a place we have never been. Instead of dwelling on the evident age and disrepair of our hotel, I enjoy quiet afternoons where we can soak in the hot tub and do my exercises in the pool. We all have a choice in how we respond and how we engage when times are difficult or disappointment and frustration creeps in. I encourage you to engage in kindness, to respond with a thoughtful word, to place yourselves in their shoes for a moment and realize we are all doing the best we can. I can’t control what the world throws at me or my injuries, but I can control how I choose to face the day…it’s all about perspective.
Today, I pray that you give a kind word to someone that may not seem to deserve it on the surface. You may be surprised how that kind word uplifts you. You may be even more surprised when you get a smile in response and you see how a kind word can uplift someone else’s day.
I pray these words speak to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
