"No act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted."
Aesop
In a world, where glitz, instant fame and social media trending have become actual goals...where selling, and winning and earning seem honored above all else....where what's right often takes a back seat to who's right....and where bigger we're told is better... Yes, in the midst of this world, it was a gift to sit next to my father on Saturday in the back pew of my childhood church, and absorb the stories being told about a friend of ours. About her life well lived.
As Sue was remembered, there were stories of courage and generosity. Of wisdom and tenacity. There was praise for all she did as a wife, a mother, a friend and a contributing member of whatever community surrounded her. But it was the kindness - the repeated mention of the gestures of kindness from a woman who seemed to know no other way - that stood out above all.
Kindness is a quiet, understated and often invisible quality. I think it's easy to minimize it. To down play it...oh, anyone can be kind. It's no big deal, really. Sure, I can be kind...but what else can I accomplish? How can I have a broader impact that just little acts of kindness? Oh, kindness. Simple, available-to-every-human-being kindness. How very misunderstood you are.
On Saturday, from the back pew of my childhood church, kindness spoke boldly through the life of our friend. Kindness announced its presence. Kindness was visible, tangible, noticeable...remarkable. As passionately as the wail of the bagpipe filled the old, stone chapel, so the power of kindness penetrated to the depths of our souls. And we were called to remember.
Not only to remember a life. But to be reminded of a most powerful way of life.
Joining others for
So sorry for your loss, but so glad you could come together to remember your friend. May her memory be for a blessing.
ReplyDeleteOh, such a beautiful post. I'm sorry for your loss. Your images are beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss! Your words are so beautifully written and such a great reminder, thank you!
ReplyDeleteKindness really is most powerful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss - what a gift to know such kindness through a friend.
Beautiful texture work, I'm really impressed. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBrigitte
What a beautiful testament to your friend's life. I always feel a successful and well-lived life is one that has left a mark. It seems that Sue achieved that in abundance.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post reminding us of what is most important in this life...
ReplyDeleteYour words are a beautiful tribute to your friend Sue. I think kindness is at the top of the list in qualities I value in my husband. I would tell anyone getting married to look for kindness. In day to day life, it makes such a difference! Lovely photo, too!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Your post is quite a memorial to her and I'm sure she'd be lost for words were she to read this.
ReplyDeleteLove your images as well!
visiting from Texture Tuesday:
http://cherylmccainphotography.com/dried-flowers-and-old-burlap/
Lovely post. Experienced a recent death (pastor's son) this week... day to day kindnesses abound.
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ReplyDeleteYour words are very true. Kindness can be simple and often need not even cost much, but can have such a big impact on the recipient.
ReplyDeleteBy the time I read your last sentence, I was in tears. Such a beautiful post. Your words are so true and sincere - and kindness is never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteSimply perfect. The words, the photos, the sentiment. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathy for the loss of your friend, Adrienne. She was obviously a very special person.
ReplyDeleteYour post is beautiful. As I read blogs posts, Facebook posts, etc about kindness, it just reinforces to me that that is how many/most of us were raised. And we take it for granted, because being kind is just what you do!