kind

i love nice people.
honestly.
when a stranger smiles at me
it brightens my day.
when i'm having trouble and someone stops to help me
it means the world.

i've noticed that some of the nicest people
are on hiking trails.
notice the next time you go hiking
{if you never go hiking you really should..}
how pretty much every person you pass on the trail,
going or coming,
says hello
or how are you.
it really makes a difference on the hike.
not only do you get to enjoy this beautiful planet,
but also the people in it!
not everyone is so kind...

i remember one time in middle school
i was walking down the hall
and one of my folders slipped from my hands
and my papers went everywhere.
i was so embarrassed as i got on the floor and started
picking everything up
as all the other students just walked past me
{and probably laughed}
then i noticed that some one was picking it up to
helping me.
he was a stranger,
and i don't even know his name
but i was so grateful he had helped me!
he probably didn't think it was a big deal
and he probably doesn't even remember.
oh, but i remember.
kindness goes a long way!

another thing i have noticed is that
there are two different kinds of popular.
one being the stereotypical pretty people that are just overly attractive,
have nice clothes, etc.
you know what i'm talking about.
then there are the nice people.
those people who are nice to everyone.
those people who are friends with everyone.
i know i can think of a bunch of people like that.
that is the kind of popular anyone should try to be.

sometimes i don't understand why people have to be so mean.
maybe it's because i've never been one
to get mad very easily,
and even when i do i usually just let it blow over and get over it.
{not that i'm saying i have never been mean to anyone, because i have. no one is perfect.}
but some people actually find it hard to be nice.
i feel sorry for them.
i feel sorry that their life is burdened with anger
and grudges
and harsh thoughts towards others.
i feel sorry that their conversations always lead
to talking rudely of others and gossiping.
you can justify it all you want,
you can say that they deserve it,
you can say they can't get away with their behavior
and that may be true...
but one thing comes to mind.
The Savior of this world, Jesus Christ,
had all the reason in the world to be rude to others,
to talk badly of others,
to be mean.
He was persecuted,
spit on,
laughed at,
tortured to no end.
however,
He only showed kindness and love,
even towards his enemies.
especially towards his enemies.
He showed mercy,
forgiveness,
and compassion to all.
He is the ultimate example of kindness.

a primary song i learned in church comes in my head:
"i'm trying to be like Jesus.
i'm following in his ways.
i'm trying to love as he did
in all that i do and say.
at times i am tempted to make a wrong choice
but i try to listen as the still small voice whispers
love one another as Jesus loves you.
try to show kindness in all that you do
be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
for these are things Jesus taught."

so much truth in a primary song.

now,
whatever your religion,
whatever you believe,
it is never wrong to be kind to someone.
it is never something you will regret.
it is never wasted.

if you are angry,
holding a grudge,
i challenge you to soften your heart.
to show compassion.
to show mercy.
to show forgiveness.
to show kindness.

"be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."-plato

"kind words can be short and easy but their echoes are truly endless"- mother theresa

thank you to all and anyone who has shown kindness toward me.
it is truly appreciated.
and thank you to all and anyone who has shown kindness towards another.
you are the light shining in a world that continues to get darker...
you are the hope.
thank you.