A true story: He was about eight. She was about seven. They were talking about another child, a classmate who stuttered. When their mother said “She can’t help it. Be kind,” the two children laughed. “Why?” the boy asked. “You make fun of Mrs. Baker. You’re not kind to her.”

I didn’t stay around to hear the rest of the conversation. I’d heard enough. The mocking, belittling, bullying language the two children used was language they’d heard – and learned – at home.

The mocking, bullying, belittling language children hear at home … the lies from leaders … the vitriol expressed on social media … the lack of kindness on the road, in stores, in families, in volunteer organizations, at work, etc., is teaching our children, youth, grandchildren, us … and what it’s teaching isn’t good.

The ‘wand of negativity’ seems to be on the increase in so many sectors of society.   It takes so much energy!  It drains – physically, emotionally, spiritually.   And it’s not helped by the polarization of people taking ‘sides’.

On the other hand, the ‘wand of kindness’ doesn’t take anywhere nearly as much effort.   Kindness can uplift – physically, emotionally, spiritually.  Mother Theresa said “Kind words can be brief, but their echo goes on forever.”

May we pick up the ‘wand of kindness’ a bit more tomorrow, than we did, today.

May we wave the ‘wand of kindness’ a bit wider than we did this week.

May we  *be* the Wand that brings kindness to those around us, those we encounter, those we think about, those with whom we interact in person, on the phone, on social media.

May we extend that ‘wand of kindness’ to ourselves in these difficult times.

Let’s wave the ‘wand of kindness’.

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WM-KindWords

Quote: Mother Teresa
Artwork – on an ATC (Artist Trading Card): June Maffin

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