Be kind to others

Think of all the people with whom you have had direct contact during your life. Depending on your age and station in life, it could number tens or even hundreds of thousands. Where did kindness come into play during these interactions? I recently happened to overhear a conversation that was anything but kind. In the past I would well up with anger or even offer support for what was being said, but this time I was filled with sadness. In a time when the world would benefit from acts of kindness, the choice was being made to do the opposite. It was an opportunity for me to look at my own life and what I am doing to practice kindness towards others. Do I give preferential treatment to those with whom I agree and deny it to those I judge as different or less than? What difference will my actions make for those with whom I share my kindness? Kindness comes in many forms. It can be a kind word or deed. Perhaps my kindness can best be expressed by thinking before I act as to what my purpose is and choosing to refrain from saying what is unkind. Its effect will make the world a better place for all that inhabit it. If I believe that is true, why would I withhold kindness from anyone I meet? Today is an opportunity for each of us to practice random acts of kindness with all we meet. What would such acts look like for you today?