“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” - Oscar Wilde
Surveying the political landscape in our province, it is apparent we live in acrimonious times.
Conflict sells and it’s good for ratings. It destroys careers; it enhances careers. Many of us secretly enjoy it. Maybe, as a friend pointed out the other day, it affords us an opportunity to project our relational clashes or latent aggressions into someone else’s sphere while supplying the false comfort that we’re somehow above the childish skirmishes so ubiquitous in the lives of most.
Given the prominent profile that controversy enjoys in our culture, we do well to periodically pause to consider how we might counter its pervasiveness with kindness. Kindness, I suggest, doesn’t just happen in a vacuum. It requires conscious effort – intentional acts or words directed toward another’s good. It may require preparatory thought.
Today, for example, is another opportunity for each of us to brighten someone’s day with kindness. That’s worth preparing for and thinking about.
On my schedule for the day is a meeting with someone who has recently been informed they’re in Stage 3 of an aggressive cancer. I will try to project myself into their situation.
No pat answers; no cutesy formulas like “every day can be a Friday” and assorted nonsense like that regularly dispensed by TV preachers.
Following that visit, I will have lunch with someone about to enter treatment for a brutal addiction that has ravaged their own life and the lives of numerous loved ones. Treatment … again! They’re understandably apprehensive because past treatment hasn’t “worked” and they are worried about heightened expectations, potential let-down, more disappointment, and so on. Some forethought as to what I will and won’t say is advisable.
After lunch, I’m scheduled to meet with one-half of a couple whose marriage is coming apart. I’ll meet with their partner tomorrow. Seldom does a day go buy in Airdrie when relational tensions don’t appear on my agenda – curious thing, that, given the popular sentiment that money solves all or, at least, most problems. Relationships are complex. Therefore, my words cannot be simplistic or idealistic to this couple. Their situation warrants careful thought on my part lest I say something that is misleading.
Your day will be different than mine. But people-needs are ever-present! Look for them! Speak hope to them when and where you can - yet never forget: sometimes a compassionate ear is more beneficial than an active tongue.
Tim is pastor of Faith Community Church. He can be reached at [email protected]
