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Make Haste to Be Kind
By Cornelia Powell | August 30, 2009
I’ve been thinking alot about “kindness” the last few days. No matter your politics, but if you tuned in at all to any of the coverage of Senator Edward Kennedy’s memorial services, you would have heard something like, “he was the most thoughtful and kind friend.” This from both Republican and Democratic colleagues as well as from family members and work associates.
We live in a loud, mean-spirited media culture that seems to get noisier and doesn’t appear to know their way around “kindness.” Has “kindness” become old-fashioned? Did Senator Kennedy’s death mark the end of the “respectful adversary”? Being able to disagree with respect; express love and appreciation for someone while challenging their take on something; not making the person wrong when you think their opinion may indeed be off base?
So I’ve been noticing my thoughts. And if at any time I catch myself having a negative or harsh thought — toward myself, someone or some thing — I stop and see where I can find the love and forgiveness in that circumstance. Is kindness not the action taken when we come from love and forgiveness? Then in the words of writer Ron Carlson, “make haste to be kind.”
I can’t think of a finer legacy to live toward. Here’s to the redemptive quality of kindness!
Topics: Inspiration, Relationship |