The pillow caught my attention as I breezed through the store. I love placing reminders in my house that prick my memory and challenge me to stay on course – interacting during each day as Christ-like as possible. The colors were a perfect match to my green and burgundy color scheme and the phrase KINDNESS MATTERS was carefully embroidered in the center. I grabbed it up and took it to the checkout counter. Later I carefully placed it on my couch. One of my daughter-in-laws complimented me on my choice. The pillow sat there for months and I appreciated the quiet reminder.

MAINTAINING INTENTIONAL KINDNESS

When I realized our theme this month was the fruit of kindness, I began to wonder if I was maintaining an "intentional" reflection of the Spirit in my day to day routine. Am I just polite, or do I aspire to kindness? Do I take the time to say an extra word or two that might encourage someone or am I just focused on a task, a time schedule, the next thing on my agenda?

It is Not Just What You Say

A phrase my mother used when I was teenager came into my mind:

"It is not just what you say, but HOW you say it".

Do I take the time to respond with a smile?
Do I take the time to extend a hug or a handshake?
Do I try to remember our last conversation when meeting someone I know so that I can ask a specific question?
Do I open doors for others and wait for them to go first?
Do I ask God to show me ways to make others feel good about their day?
Do I allow others to have their choice before making mine?

Teaching Kindness

We can explain the meaning of kindness as warm hearted, generous in nature, but our children will only grasp the concept of kindness as they are treated with kindness. Kindness is extended to PEOPLE. It applies to our relationships – and that means being a redemptive presence – extending grace (in the form of kindness) as Christ did – reflecting the story of the Gospel as we interact with others.

Young children who are still very focused on their own needs may struggle with being kind. Make a special activity out of role playing – acting out a possible situation with two solutions – one being kindness, the other – well, it will probably be obvious. Charts with stars help young boys and girls understand a 'kindness' choice makes everyone feel good. Use your computer and regular labels to make ‘stickers’ that say I WAS KIND TODAY and reward as appropriate. You can also make ones that say THANK YOU FOR BEING KIND TODAY and allow children to show their appreciation.

Kindness Matters; to those who give it and those who receive it, because it is part of the character of God. Teaching it by our example takes intentional time and strength through our relationship with Him. As we make it part of our legacy, we come to understand: it is a privilege – and then we also grasp, it is a blessing.

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