Plant Kindness

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – Stephen Grellet

Everyday, each of us has the opportunity to add or subtract, to divide or multiply.
Extend a hand or race by aloof.
To plant kindness, sow love, be present.
It is especially needed in this time we are living in now.
Coming up on two years of a flipping pandemic, ongoing uncertainty and politicization of a crisis.
It’s difficult and heavy.
And right in the middle of this reality lies resilience, beauty, joy and light.
Tenants in the same building.
Optimism isn’t denial.
It’s fuel, hope and a lifeline.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness.
It’s honest, authentic and healing.
Assuring us that we are not alone.
Extend empathy and compassion, listen without judgment.
Be kind to yourself and show that same grace to others.
Fragile times.
Push to the other side, knowing there’s another side.
Brave souls keep swinging, getting up again and again.
Carry on brave ones. Together.

“Blessed, are you brave one. You, who perform big, courageous acts of service, the firefighters and police officers and military and activists and doctors and nurses and paramedics. You, who move toward fear and danger for the rest of us to feel a little more safe. Blessed, are you brave one. You, who do small acts of great love. The memory keepers who remember for those who can’t and the parents belong to keep our kids small and safe. Or you who teach for far less than your worth. Or pastor, even when the cranky member complains about the music again. You who hold people’s hand all the way to the edge and give handkerchiefs to people who need them. Your great love moves you closer toward people’s great need. Blessed, are you brave one. You who are grieving, even if you feel like you are doing it all wrong, you who have received the bad news, you who are sitting in the shards of a life that has come undone in your fear and your shaky hope. Brave looks like that, too sometimes. You who live still, brave and scared at the same time.” – Kate Bowler

“Together we can change the world, just one random act of kindness at a time.” – Ron Hall