It Takes so Little to be Kind

The world is filled with wonderful people. The problem is that we often only remember or focus on the ones that didn’t treat us well. I’m not going to say that I never complain, but in general, I usually try to be nice to most people. I had just returned home after a long drive. Maybe I gave off a sense of being tired, or even non-caring. If I did, that wasn’t my intention. Maybe I didn’t pay close attention to those that might have been friendlier. There was someone that came up to me in the produce section, pointing out what to look for so that I got great produce. The rest of the contacts weren’t so encouraging. I was ready to check out and was standing in the self-checkout line. A spot opened, and before I could react, a mother and daughter walked by me and took that spot. I wasn’t feeling too appreciated. Then it was my turn. I had a few items which I checked through quickly and efficiently. As I was paying, a worker was looking over my shoulder to see what I was doing. When I was all done, she then asked if everything was going ok. I’m not used to a worker staring over my shoulder. She could clearly see, before she asked, that I was having no issues. Then as I headed out to my car, there was a family that stopped to visit someone right by the exit door. It is starting to get a little cooler so keeping the sliding door open was letting a lot of cold in. On top of that, the children were running in and out, assuring that the doors wouldn’t close. I had to navigate around them to get out. I bet you are thinking I am going to compare those I experienced tonight with the unfaithful in God’s word. I might have started with that in mind, but realized, more importantly was my actions, or lack thereof. I kind of glared at the two the moved in front of me at the checkout. Not a good witness on my part. Why did I let it bother me? With the worker staring over my shoulder, I could have said something constructive, encouraging, or even thanked her for her concern. I failed again. As far as those in the doorway? I could have politely asked them to move away from the door if it was that important. How hard is it to be kind and love one another? It’s not. Holy Spirit, teach us to love others with the love You have for us. May they see You in us and not an ungrateful heart. Amen