Every morning as I leave for work, Steve puts his arm around me and prays for peace, safety, and health.
I am always blessed by those prayers, especially since I am heading out to join thousands of stressed-out, in-a-hurry commuters on I-485. I’ve lost count of the number of unsafe maneuvers and crazy incidents of speeding I’ve witnessed in the three years I’ve driven that road.
I am always grateful when I arrive safely at work in the morning and even more grateful when I pull out of the traffic mayhem into our leafy, tree-lined neighborhood. Home is such a sweet word.
Having said that, we can always pray for the families left behind, and we can pray for peace in our world–which I do. We can also mindfully fight against the ripples of hatred with ripples of kindness–in our homes, our communities, our jobs.
I’ll have to admit that sometimes the acts of kindness I commit or the acts I witness seem so insignificant and small. But really–can kindness ever be small?
Here are a few examples that come to mind from recent days:
By no means.
But they sure beat the alternative of spreading division and ugliness. They can certainly make a difference in the lives of people around us and, in turn, spread a wave of kindness to the people around them.
There are few things I love more than trying to make a person smile and feel seen. At work, I listen to stories of people’s struggles, challenges, and joys, and I hope that as they walk away, their heart feels a few ounces lighter in a world that feels increasingly dark and heavy.
To close, I want to share a few words from other people much wiser than I am.
From Vex King:
People don’t announce when they’re barely holding on. They smile, nod, and keep moving. The person making your coffee could be grieving. The colleague who seems distracted might be drowning in debt. The stranger in front of you might have cried all night. The person who cut you off in traffic might be rushing to a hospital. That’s why kindness matters–it softens the edges of unseen pain. It reminds us we’re not alone in carrying the weight of being human.
From Martin Luther King, Jr.
Darkness can not drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
From Jesus Christ:
Blessed are the peacemakers . . .
My peace I give you, not as the world gives give I to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I’ll take all those words to heart this week, especially the Bible verses about peace and not being afraid. Those are the words I want to set my mind on in the midst of a non-peaceful and fearful world.
Join me in taking hold of that peace today.
What about you?
What things bring you peace?
What things have been stressful to you lately?
Beautiful thoughts, Becky. Excellent point that “not everyone gets home safely.”
Over the last decade, some of my own grown children, relatives and acquaintances have pulled away from key figures who have been foundationally loving and supportive in earlier times. The trend seems widespread, and growing. These separations can grow into chasms so large, I fear bridges to understanding and healing won’t be built in time.
My heart glows when I see simple kind acts, such as politeness while driving, smiles following compliments or understanding, like you described at your work. I bristle when all too often acrid comments are interjected into otherwise simple interactions. One person walks away with their head down, the other with a look of smugness.
I used to work for a company who encouraged co-workers to “assume the best intentions” when dealing with each other and the public. Nowadays, it seems we look to see what “team” others are on, then behave accordingly – without a care for respect, integrity or grace, which should be at the forefront.
I appreciate your words.
Ann,
I truly love the idea of assuming the best intentions when dealing with other people. And respect, integrity, and grace are three of my favorite words/concepts.
It takes so little effort to be kind, polite, and understanding, whether at home or on the highway. And what a joy to see what difference it makes!
Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful comment.
There’s a stone bench near the entrance to Duke Gardens which I bet you’ve passed by at some point. Engraved in it is the quote, “Above all nations is humanity.” I just just we could all live with that in mind. We’re ALL of the same kind. I wish we could be gentle with each other. I know it’s wishful thinking.
Ellen,
“Gentle with each other.” I love that phrase
And I love that message on the bench! Thanks for sharing it with us all.
My heart hurts for so many today. I am still grieving the recent loss of my precious mama and then seeing all the bad news on the internet and news and watching my husband stuggle to walk from having pain from a bad fall five years ago on top on now having a non curable Neurological brain disease. I can’t stop the tears some days. It is all so overwhelming. I pray and pray for all those dealing with tragedies and health issues but mostly for those that don’t know Jesus and won’t let Him give them comfort and hope. That is all any of us can do, pray and be kind.
Kaye,
I heard a song once that says, “Tears are a language God understands.” Sometimes all we can do is cry and that’s okay. Losing your mom, bad news on tv and an ailing husband make a really big load.
And your closing line was wonderful. Pray and be kind. Many hugs to you.
One of the most peaceful things to me is the sound of ocean waves coming ashore. The start of this school year was extra stressful, but is slowly settling down. Wishing you a peaceful week.
Sue Ellen,
I agree; few things more peaceful than the sounds of waves on the shore.
Glad your school year is settling down. Those first weeks can be a challenge as everyone adjusts.
What lovely examples of kindness, and what a valuable reminder. Thank you, Becky.
Angela,
Thanks for your encouraging words!
It’s funny that you write a post about peace inspired by a man who thought civil rights for black people were a “huge mistake,” that MLK was a bad person, called for the execution of Joe Biden, thought gays should literally be stoned, condoned the January 6th terrorists, joked with Trump about Nancy Pelosi’s husband’s attempted murder and asked for a true patriot to bail the guy out, thought “empathy” was a bad word, said gun deaths were worth it for gun rights (but he never thought it would be him) and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. All of these remarks are on video, so no one can deny that he said them.
It’s terrible when anyone dies (though as someone who also grew up with an extremely racist father, his kids will probably be better off with a new stepfather), but this man incited violence, not peace. He should not be held up as an example of peace and respectability alongside MLK (whom he hated), because that is a lie.
So what brings me peace? Partly imagining a world where people don’t try to control how others live, don’t constantly spew hate and where the president doesn’t want our country to have a civil war.
Thank you for saying this out loud. I very much appreciate that Becky keeps politics out of her blog. But to publicly callout that we should be mourning a man as hateful as Kirk is really hard for me in this context. The heroes of 9/11, the poor children killed in the Colorado school this week…. They will have my thoughts and prayers. A few months ago a Minnesota Democrat, her husband and dog were shot and killed in their home. They left behind two children. I don’t remember any reference to them in the blog. Or any calls at all for a moment of silence, lowering flags, or even a call of condolence.
I have followed Sarah‘s story since she was six years old, I sent Nathan money in at his dorm. I sent a $20 bill and gift cards for Sarah … and I look forward to the post on Monday. This post gave me pause.
No one deserves to be murdered for things that they say or their viewpoints but we can’t just be upset when the side we’re on is the victim of violence. You have to also be sorry when the other side is hurt. I keep hearing that Charlie Kirk was Christian and then I went and listened to some of his podcast and I just say to myself how can that be Christian?
I don’t have the answers and I will always wish this family the best❤️
Theresa and Kristen,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this post. Thanks too, for following along with Smithellaneous for such a long time with your visits to the page and your gracious comments through the years.
Have a great rest of your week.
I am going to share your quotes out to others!! Everyone needs to read these!
The world is stressful! I have stopped watching the news as much as I used to….just can’t take it over and over again. So much sadness! Peace is the slow time with the people I love! Thankful for GOD and my church to always be a constant in tough times & good times!!
I live in a small city and I have been in/seen many close calls in traffic lately! Scary! Prayers for safe travels for you in the big traffic!!
Eswim,
I think it’s a great idea to not watch the news except to get the absolute most important headlines. There are so many better things to think about out there.
Yes, slow time with people you love is the best–just to sit down and be together. Wonderful!
I agree -it is a prayer of thanks each time we go away from home and return safely. Glad you see that little (big) way to praise the Lord too!
You are so good at encouraging people– seems to be always at the forefront of your inner thoughts that come forth as a bounty of blessings toward others. I admire the excellent way you live in this way– serving Jesus!
(mom always said–do it as unto the Lord!)
Ruth
Ruth,
Always nice to see a quote from our dear mom pop up in these pages.
She taught us so many good things, through her words, prayers, and example.
Loved your post. What a wonderful world we could live in if everyone showed love and kindness. We all need to love others as God loves us.
I hope you have a wonderful, blessed, and safe week.
Joy,
Well, I’ve had a good week so far so I hope it continues. We are watching the grands Friday night so that will be an adventure. Blessings as you continue to show love and kindness.
Well said, meaningful post. I love your examples of kindness and will strive this week to create kindness in my own little corner. And pray.
Cheryl,
Thanks for being a spreader of kindness. I love to give it and am grateful to receive it.
As always, well said!
Thank you, Mr. Husband!