Fears and Tears

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience bearing with one another and forgiving one another, as the Lord has forgiven you, you must also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. Col 3:12-14

The Lord has shown me His kindness this week. I feel the particular word, “kind” pierce my heart in a new way. There is a change that takes place within me and I start to care for myself, to see myself as the Lord sees me, to be kind to myself. To rid myself of all which weighs me down, and turn to what lifts me up, to choose joy.

I find myself returning to the activities that I enjoyed but somehow let slip away: biking, swimming, walking the dog, taking a warm bath, reading a good book and listening to music. To let go of the social media or the tv shows that seems to beckon and draw me in, but leave me feeling unproductive and exhausted. To spend my time on the things that bring me happiness, peace and a renewed sense of energy.

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that is makes them kind themselves. Amelia Earhart

Something amazing happens when you receive a random act of kindness. It makes you stop and ponder that you matter, that someone notices you, and that they want to do a kind act for you. That is what happened this weekend, when a stranger paid for our lunch at a new restaurant we were visiting. It had a wonderful effect on me and I appreciated their kindness.

My prayer this week is to be aware and cherish the present moment, to be kind to others and in turn, be kind to myself. To listen more, and talk less, and to say an encouraging word when I do speak. To pray for the grace of kindness, which is a gift from the Holy Spirit; thank you Lord, for your mercy and love. Saint Kateri Tekakwitha – pray for us.