Profound Thoughts on Kindness
I was deeply moved by this piece written by Karen Spears Zacharias
I went to another burial today. Seems like all my social outings lately are all death-related. Somebody needs to invite me to a party of a different sort. I need to remember what it feels like to laugh with abandon. I think I’ve forgotten.
I did not know the young man being buried but I know his grandparents. When I was the Oregon Bureau Reporter for the Tri-City Herald, I rented office space from the young man’s grandfather, an insurance agent here in town. It was a good office staffed with cheery and affable people. They always made my day better just by being in it. The young man’s grandfather is a particularly light-hearted fellow. He has the greatest laugh, a laugh that always reminded me a little of Dick Van Dyke.
He is a kind man. I like that in any person. Kindness. I wish kindness was as highly valued in our society as is athletic skills or porn. I can’t tell you why it isn’t. Maybe you have some ideas?
I used to think a person was either born kind or they weren’t. Now I believe it’s a skill that can be taught and learned. Some people might come by it naturally but anybody can learn to be more kind. (HT Scott McKnight via my friend Steve Gerich)
When I saw this, I immediately thought, "wow, I can relate." And, then I knew how to pray. So, I did. Here's to brighter days and being able to laugh. Yes to laugh again like you don't have a care! AMEN!
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