I got yelled at last week.
It was Tuesday morning. I pulled into my parking lot and parked in my spot. I got out of the car. In front of me was a very agitated woman who seemed to appear out of nowhere. Her face was red and her eyes were angry. She said I was driving too fast in the parking lot and had no respect for other people. I took my lumps. Apologized. And went on my way.
Is it just me, or does this kind of thing seem to be happening more and more these days? It seems to me that a lot of people are under a lot of stress and that stress is leaking out all over the place. We hear about more and more instances of road rage. We see videos of people having meltdowns in restaurants or stores when they feel that they have not been properly served. And gone are the days when you could sit around a table with family and friends and have a civil discussion about politics. Our tolerance is waning. Our patience is threadbare. We seem to get defensive very quickly and are less inclined to “walk away” from confrontation. It sometimes seems as if we are all spoiling for a fight.
I wonder why? And if so, what or who is to blame?
I’m sure there are many things triggering our collective angst; from Donald Trump to high food prices, to a general worry about where this world is headed. It’s perfectly understandable why many people are feeling out of sorts, but how sad if we are taking it out on each other.
A minister in the United States recently posted online a very thoughtful sermon. Reflecting on the divisive and fearful state of his country following the election, he wrote that the church needs to lift up one word above all others and preach it with fervency and passion. The word? KINDNESS.
Amen to that!!
I always try to live by the adage that everyone you meet is carrying a burden of some kind or another. And don’t be fooled, even the brightest smile can hide a heart of pain. An angry or intolerant word only adds to the burden of another. On the other hand, a small act of kindness or a word of encouragement can make even the biggest weight seem a little bit lighter.
The motivational speaker Robin Sharma said, “each person who delivers kindness stays with us forever.” It is so true. We remember the person who breathed a little bit of life into us when we felt worn and wearied by the world.
We are about to enter a very busy season. Nerves may become a little more frayed as we prepare for the hustle and bustle to come. It’s a great time to practice kindness. Be the reason someone’s smile is a little brighter, their burden a little lighter, their path a little clearer.
Simple kindness. You can’t beat it!
