Being Kind to the ones you love
“Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not!” So said Samuel Johnson.
But how often do we become so self-centered that we forget to be kind to those we are already fond of?
For me, this happens more than I would like to admit. I can be short and abrupt with the people I love the most.
Worse, I am often not even aware that I am that way. It has to be embarrassingly pointed out to me after the fact.
My excuse is always centered on some talk track of being efficient (at best) or rushed (at worst). I didn’t have the time to say “please” and “would you mind” or “thank you.” Plus, for efficiency, I can claim those phrases weren’t necessary.
But were they?
I have learned that effectiveness trumps efficiency. Almost always the most effective strategy includes taking the time to be considerate and kind.
It may turn out that a simple act of kindness to the ones you love, may be the most spiritual thing you do on a given day.
So if you want to be spiritual, take the time to be kind. Especially to those you love.
