Kindness Goes a Long Way
I'm out and about quite a bit and run into all kinds of people, all makes and models! I'm sad to report that not all of my encounters are pleasant. Some people, I think, are born cranky, and then relapse as they grow older!
It's an odd continuum. Occasionally, I'm greeted with stares and no words. Not even a grunt! I had no idea that that many people were deaf. Others greet me but never smile and offer no reciprocity. I try to ask open-ended questions but sometimes all I get is "yes, or no." Last week, while in line at the grocery store, I asked the man in front of me, "How are you?" He responded, "Do I know you?" That ended that exchange!
Thankfully, most people smile and that's fine, because we're all so busy. However, effective communication skills, I feel, are disintegrating in America today. So many feel threatened or even suspicious when greeted with a smile or kind word. Although the young man at the Taco Bell window both smiled and said, "I hope you're having a good day." That kind gesture ensures that I'll return to the Bell again and again. My friend, who owns and operates a restaurant, has built a reputable business because she hires kind, socially skilled people. While the food is excellent, it's the way we're treated that makes it our number one choice for outside dining.
Today I met a man named Tony. And it's guys like him who renew my hope in the human race. He was very articulate but it was his kindness that brought meaning and substance to our brief conversation. Yay for the Tony's of this world! He probably didn't know it but when I walked away, I felt that I at least mattered to him, although he knew nothing about me. You see, we don't have to become best friends with everyone we meet. As a matter of fact, it's impossible. But a smile, a handshake, a high-5 or even a fist bump says, "You matter!"
As a pastor, I deal with all kinds of family and life scenarios. And the common denominator in most of them are connections that matter. People today (really always) thrive when kindness and positivity come their way. Yesterday, when church was over, a first-timer said to me, "I'll be back!" When I told him, I was glad, he asked, "Do you know why?" I thought maybe he would cite my sermon, but what he said touched me deeply. He said, "I have not felt this loved or wanted in a long time. And in my heart, I felt the love of God expressed through people who genuinely care about others. See you next Sunday!"
I had to fight back tears. So, thank you Tony, and to all the other kind, caring people of the world, who understand that how we treat others supersedes what we do, how we dress, what model of car we drive, or the street we live on. Kindness goes a long way! The apostle Paul writes, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32, NLT).
In the meantime, I'll try to be sociable to "Gloomy Gus" and "Negative Nellie," while remembering the kindness of Tony.