Lately at church,  we have been learning about fruits of the Holy Spirit. The one on kindness really got me thinking about myself.

 

As I raise a child who is different, kindness from others is something I personally really appreciate. How you accommodate my daughter and give her the space just to be. How you look at her without judgement.  How you take time to talk to her even if she might not respond.  How you treat her when she wants you to draw with her even when your art skills are rusty. My brother knows that one.

 

The thing I have to ask myself though is, am I kind? Do I treat others that way, do I accommodate others and their weaknesses? Do I treat others how I want to be treated? Am I teaching my kids that?

 

I worry that sometimes we want what we are unwilling to give others. Maybe even believe that because we are raising children who are different, we are owed by others which is a total falacy. Fact is, we are all dealing with something and kindness is a gift we all should give and receive. 

 

My challenge to me and you, let’s be kind for kindness sake. Just because putting a smile on someone else’s face doesn’t take anything away from us.