Being kind; this act seems so incredibly simple, does it not? That's what I think, yet, people continue to prove me wrong and I continue to fail at understanding why. Whether it's holding the door for someone who's hands are full, (or not full), or smiling at a stranger; Kindness goes a ridiculously long way. My parents raised me to treat each and every person I interact with respectfully and to never assume a person has a perfect life without hardships.
We're taught to use and understand the golden rule in elementary school, maybe even pre-kindergarten for some of us."Treat people the way you want to be treated." As many times we as children were told this growing up, the value and importance of this cliche seems to decrease as age increases. Why is this? Do we as humans, just simply forget the importance of kindness in our daily routine? Do we as humans choose to act this way or is it a natural biological process? Do we as humans forget that acting negatively towards another will never impact us in a positive way?
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12
As I get older, I've come to the realization that every single person is dealing with their own struggles that are hidden by a facade, so what right do I have to be anything short of kind to that individual? Life is every definition in the dictionary, but easy is not one of them. Humans are far from perfect. There is no, 'perfect life without hardship'. We never know what a person is dealing with behind the laughter that we hear, or the smile that we see, as smiling is a wonderful technique to trick people into thinking you're okay. Everyone is fighting their own battle and sometimes, a simple smile, or a simple, "Hello" can turn a person's entire day around.
Kindness goes further than just a smile and a compliment. As imperfect humans who make mistakes and experience struggles every day, we should want to lift each other up, not tear them down. You're given the opportunity to live a beautiful life, and you only get one, so why waste it on anything other than being kind?
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12
For me, kindness is a way to show my appreciation for having the ability to live this extraordinary thing we as humans call life. I do my very best to show how thankful I am when I am blessed to see another tomorrow, as tomorrow is never a given. The next time you're having a bad day, or another struggle appears, try your best to remember that you're not alone and that being negative is anything but beneficial.
"It's just a bad day, not a bad life."
