Yesterday (November 13th) was World Kindness Day.  Some folks wore cardigans to honor Mr. Rogers whose message of kindness left a lasting impression on so many.  It was Mr. Rogers who said, “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” 

I’ve written about kindness before and inevitably will again.  Mostly because we need reminders (me included!) that all of us can make a difference in the lives of others.  One kind word to another person or one kind action can make a bad day better or even a rough patch in life more bearable.  Sometimes we will never know the effect that our kindness had out in the world.  Other times, people will tell us when we said or did something that meant a lot.

When we offer that one kind word to another person, it helps people feel worthwhile.  It helps people feel seen and understood.  Perhaps even that there is no one quite like them, and their mere presence is a gift.  From our Christian perspective, we can remember that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” as the Psalm goes. (Psalm 139:14)  And that applies to everyone, to all of us.  As we recognize World Kindness Day, we can contemplate it both from the perspective of knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and recognizing that every other person is too.  What a gift!  Just some thoughts, for this week.

Love,
Pastor Lauren

(This Week’s Thoughts 11.14.19)