We've been working a lot on kindness around here. Particularly kindness to those living in the same house. It seems that it is easier to show kindness and give grace to those that don't live with you.
You'll hear my kids saying "kindness matters" in many situations. When everyone wants to play, but there doesn't seem to be enough room for the last kid to squeeze in, the prompt is kindness matters. Is it always easy to choose kindness? Nope. Not for them and not for me. It's certainly harder to be kind to someone who's been pushing all of your buttons for the last two hours than it is someone you're passing on the street, but it's a work in progress.
Our words matter. Every word leaves an imprint. Every sigh signals an inconvenience. Our words and our actions are impactful. If given the choice (and we always are), we can choose wisely; we can choose kindness. In word and action, kindness matters.
Perhaps I'm hoping that it's catching not only for the girls, but for the adults in the house too. It's easy to find the downside if you're looking for it: the guy that cut you off in traffic; the millionth time you've told the kids to do or not to do something; the only keeping up with things, not ever really getting ahead; the list could go on forever. For whatever reason, those we love the most take the brunt of this frustration and kindness goes out the window.
So maybe I'm hoping that kindness will catch on all around. My kids will be kinder to one another. We adults will model grace and kindness towards each other, the kids, and the guy in traffic. And maybe, just maybe, it will change not only our hearts, but also those around us.
Kindness matters, choose wisely.
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