HopeFul Reflections

I loved hearing about superheroes as a kid. The stories of their amazing powers and adventures filled me with excitement and joy. I always wanted to be able to do what they could and experience the wonderous things they only could because of their supernatural abilities. I used to think I was ONLY a person and I was confined to an uninteresting life. If you ask my girlfriend she’d say that was actually true, but that’s cause she used to hear every little detail of my day everyday. I’ve come to realize that there were certain traits and attributes that made people seem larger than life. These traits were often fruits of the Holy Spirit. The first that I want to talk about is kindness.

I’ve been so very lucky to have so many friends in my life. I’ve been able to hear people overcome so much struggle in their life and come out of it stronger than when they started. Although facing all this difficulty doesn’t go without leaving sore spots and sensitive areas. Some of these friends may be more prone to feeling blue more often than others or maybe they have days where the weight they carry can feel like too much at times. These friends may not know how to be gentle to themselves despite being gentle to others.

Other friends or even strangers may just being going through a tough time because it’s just that time in their life. Unfortunately, I am not superman(spoilers). As a doctor I can sometimes fix some issues of the people I meet, but often people have issues going on in their personal lives which I am powerless to assist with. Sometimes financial troubles, health concerns, and social discord all distress a person’s soul.

All of the above can make one forget the good in life and focus solely on the arduous. It is at these times that kindness is most powerful. It is at these times that a friendly ear can help unload the weight in a person’s heart. A friendly smile can remind someone that they are not alone and that even one person cares about their wellbeing. Warm words can rejuvenate the soul as it prepares for its strenuous undertaking. Finally, a gentle hand strategically placed on a shoulder can remind someone to step out from their head where all the worries and troubling thoughts have been echoing for who knows how long.

As a child I recall fondly watching episodes of Mr. Roger’s neighborhood with my mother. I had never met the man, but he made me feel safe and like I mattered. Despite hearing him through a TV screen I felt that he truly cared about me as a person. This complete stranger was so important to me feeling like I belonged simply because he spoke with such kindness and in language that felt like he really wanted me to experience the world with him. If you ever needed an example of the immense effect that kindness has on others I invite you to view an episode of his television show which has clips on YouTube.

It is in extending this kindness that we may offer our neighbors a chance to experience just a glimmer of the kindness of God. We have the opportunity to be filled by His spirit and reflect his good nature to others. Just as we who have been so lucky as to pray to Him feel his warmth, we may allow others to feel the warmth of His love through our kindness. Never underestimate just how much someone may need that kindness to make it just one more day when all is falling around them, when a friend needs that one word to make that change for his family, or when another friend has an idea for a blog that he’s been holding onto for a year. In kindness, you can heal, you can guide, and you can support others in ways so profound that even you do not comprehend the impact. If even all you can think of is saying thank you or offering your prayers for someone that is enough. So please take the chance to be a superhero and share a little kindness.

-JKG