Let's Be Kind!
My plan last year was that by Jan 1st 2024 I'd be a brand new woman! I hoped and prayed that I would be blessed with tons of vigour and vitality, so I could dive into the river of life with a mighty splash, its ripples reaching to far exotic places! Unfortunately … it did not happen quite like that! In fact, it's been the opposite! My already depleted energy levels plummeted further down, like water gurgling down a drain hole! In happier times, I'd enjoy a 40 minute walk occasionally. Now, even a 10 minute walk was impossible, unless I didn't mind crashing down in a heap for days afterwards.
In former seasons, it was only when I was extra busy that my body got unbearably fatigued. Now, most days saw me gasping for energy - an Energiser rabbit whose battery had been pulled out and tossed aside. To add to the fun, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. It was bad news, but like a little star twinkling in a dark sky, a fresh glimmer of hope beckoned! I hoped and prayed that treating the Sleep Apnea would in fact restore me. Sadly … the treatment only increased my fibro fatigue! What to do? A Naturopath I turned to could not help, although she did her best. Golden Curcumin drops that was said to have revived numerous people with various ailments only worsened my pain and fatigue.
Something had to change. After 25 years of being cared for by a good GP, I changed course. Perhaps the fresh eyes of a new doctor might unravel the mysteries of this weird old body o'mine? Dr Williams (not his real name) warmly welcomed me into his office. His office walls were covered with beautiful photos of his wife and children – he was obviously a devoted family man. This wonderful man spent a lot of time with me. He listened patiently. He didn't wash his hands off me, saying fibromyalgia had no cure, the way most other doctors did. I walked out of his office feeling heard. Validated. Comforted. Like a fresh cool spring breeze, his kindness refreshed me. Its soothing effects have remained with me to this day. How grateful I am!
Recently, I had an opposite experience. A friend asked me to do her a favour. When I couldn't oblige (since I was very sick with flu and tied up with other commitments), she grew cold and distant, obviously unable to understand. What a contrast between the two! It taught me how I needed to live. Like my new doctor! Showing kindness to all. The truth is that many of us struggle with life in ways others know nothing about. And so it is important that we treat people with compassion.
My blog today does not contain any great original thoughts.
Just three little words!
Let's. Be. Kind!
The dictionary defines kindness as: "the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate." And so … when the season's busyness makes us irritable, let's be kind. When a friend acts in a way that surprises us, let's be kind. When Christmas brings its own share of exhaustion, let's be kind. When we are over worked and feel like lashing out, let's be kind. When a toddler erupts in the middle of the supermarket, let's be kind. When the person serving us seems distant, let's be kind. When our spouse annoys us for any reason, let's be kind. When our child does whatever it was for the nth time, let's be kind. Christmas reminds us what God did for us in sending Jesus.
"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." Titus 3:4
Jesus came to give us abundant life! Jesus also came to show us how to live. His compassion touched everyone; the sinner and the outcast, the sick and the hurting, the poor and the downtrodden. His kindness blessed every person who sought Him. So as we celebrate the coming of the King of kings into the world this Christmas, let's also follow His example. Let's walk as He walked. Let's care for others like He did. The world today is in darkness. It needs the light of Christ. As a new born baby craves its mother's milk, the world is in great need of more kindness, So beloved, beautiful friends, this Christmas season, let us all reach out in love, with compassion and kindness.
Let's. Be. Kind!
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
