I have been the recipient of countless acts of love and kindness throughout my life.
Many of which I’m probably not even aware.
Some acts have been large, and some tiny, yet significant.
To my regret, I am often unable to adequately thank the giver.
The next best thing I can do is to show that same love and kindness to others.
Passing it on, so to speak.
Have you noticed how every act of kindness has a ripple effect?
I believe every kindness shown personifies God’s love for his children, and helps me want to be a better person.
I am reminded of the following saying,
“I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody’s need made me blind;
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind.”
(author unknown, though it’s been repeated by many)
Are you ever afraid of being kind because you may not be appreciated?
There are times when my act of patience or kindness has not been valued, but does that mean I made a mistake?
No!
And the following explains why.
Mother Teresa’s Anyway Poem
“People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.”
[Reportedly inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta, and attributed to her. The original version of this poem was written by Kent M. Keith.]
I invite you to continue to be kind and loving because that’s who you are!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Much love,
