Legacy of Kindness

Yesterday I heard something on the radio that has had me thinking ever since.  The DJ said something to the effect of, "Kindness is so rare these days that when someone really is kind, it shocks everyone."  I stopped to think about it and it's true.  When I am going into a store and a man is coming out and actually holds the door open, I am shocked.  When I am going through McDonald's  (I love their sweet tea) drive thru double lanes -which by the way is a crazy idea, one lane is fine- and watch as two lanes fight to see who is going to merge over to the one lane first, I am not shocked.  

I have come to expect rudeness and I am shocked at kindness.  That is backwards thinking.

It hasn't always been like this.  I have seen enough older shows (Andy Griffith, etc) and heard enough true life stories that years ago rudeness was not accepted.  If a child was disrespectful it was taken care of as soon as possible.  Now we just assume kids will be disrespectful and ignore it.  Over the years kindness has been lost.  I am not saying everyone in the world is rude.  But we all are at some point I am sure.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23

"Be kind and compassionate to one another..."

Ephesians 4:32

God tells us in His Word to be kind.  We need to bring kindness back.  We need to teach our kids to be kind.  How can we do this?

• When driving, let a car in front if the have their blinker on.
• Wave to say 'thank you' when someone lets you in front as you drive.
• Don't be afraid to give up a good parking spot if you see a pregnant mom or someone who could use the closer spot.
• Hold doors for others.  Though it is chivalrousness when a man does it, women can hold doors too.
• Say 'please' often.
• Say 'thank you' often.
• Say 'I'm sorry' often.
• Share and teach our children to share.
• Don't fight to be first in line at a store, drive thru or gas pump.  My husband loves the story about the 'head table' and we refer to it often in our home.  The first shall be last and the last shall be first.
• If you are getting up to go to the kitchen, ask if anyone needs anything while you are in there.
• Serve without expectations.
• Do at least one extra big kind deed a day.  For example, take the trash cans from the house to the curb for a neighbor, pay for the order behind you in line at the drive thru, or buy coffee for someone.

These are just a few ideas to be kind and to teach our children how to be kind.  I want my kids to be kind and to teach their children kindness, so it must start with me.  I am going to strive to be kind and leave my kids with a legacy of kindness.  Are you with me?

What are other ways you will show kindness?

Sweet Blessings~

Linking with:

Legacy Leaver Thursday

Life In Bloom

Thought Provoking Thursday  

Grace Café 

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