Give a Little Kindness

There are times when I’m driving down the road I tend to get impatient. Have you ever found yourself running behind, and it’s at that exact moment when the person driving in front of you seems to be the slowest driver on planet Earth? This has happened to me more than once. However, since Melanie ran ahead to heaven, I began looking at things a little differently. Instead of getting frustrated, I feel like it’s God’s way of getting me to slow down. I almost hear him saying, “You have no idea what that person’s going through – give a little kindness.”

Now, that sure makes me take a pause. I remember the first time this ever happened. I began to wonder … maybe this person is just returning from the hospital where they left a loved one who is fighting for their life. Or, perhaps, they are the one who is sick, and it’s taking every ounce of energy they’ve got to drive.

Especially over the holidays, when everyone seems to be rushing here, there, and everywhere, let’s give a little kindness to those around us. Sometimes, it looks like we live in a dog-eat-dog world, but we have no idea what another person is going through.

Have you ever had someone snap at you for no reason? Your initial instinct may be to give it right back to them. But, if we take a moment, we might find that there is another underlying factor. Instead of a snippy answer in return, having compassion and empathy can turn things around.

If your life has been affected by loss, there have probably been days when you don’t want to deal with people at all. Perhaps you thought you’d already gone through all the stages of grief, and Bam, out of nowhere, you’re being pulled under the waves again.

Grief is messy like that. Often, something has happened in our lives that conjures up all those old feelings, and we are left reeling again. We can only control ourselves. If we meet someone going through a hard time, take a moment to step back and lend a helping hand.

Recently, our family received news of the unexpected death of one of my children’s friends. Sadly, the friend died by suicide. Unfortunately, she suffered from depression and had some mental health challenges which we weren’t aware of. Many friends have wondered how they could have helped – if only they’d known.

Often, when you’ve already suffered a traumatic loss, and another one occurs, this can conjure up all the old feelings of grief. During this time, we must offer love and support. If space is what is needed, then leave an open door to be there when they are ready to talk. Empathy goes a long way, as we can give a little kindness.