Kindness

It’s interesting what happens when I meditate on a single word. While most of the time I read something to meditate on—like a story in the Bible, or a single phrase of wisdom coming from the Master—at other times I take a principle, like kindness.

I put it out on the table, figuratively, and study it from one position. Then I study it from a different angle—circling the table, so to speak. I’ll pick it up, turn it over, and hold it up to the light. I might even bring out a magnifying glass. I donno, I just study it, and I’ve never been disappointed.

When I study kindness, I think of the effect it has on me and on others—emotionally, socially, and even physically. From personal experience, I know that when I receive kindness, I feel less anxious. I begin to feel safe, and that I belong. When I experience the kindness of others, it relieves any loneliness and gives me hope. In fact, I felt that way recently after the loss of my mother as the cards, text messages and phone calls began to pour in.

When I am treated kindly, it helps me be open and honest in my friendships by building trust—a key ingredient to human life. It also makes me want to be kind to others. An act of kindness brings a feeling of relief when I realize that I matter to someone.

But what about the person who practices kindness? What effect does that have on them?

Well, like so many other good things, kindness is sticky! Just try to be kind and you’ll quickly realize that some of that kindness sticks to you!

I can say with absolute certainty that I am the happiest when I am practicing kindness. I get purpose and meaning out of life and feel that I’m fulfilling at least part of the reason I’m alive. Yes, helping others—especially those who are in early recovery and those who are just finding a loving God—is the bright spot of my life!

Research shows that kindness lowers stress and blood pressure levels, and activates reward centers in our brains—something known as a “helper’s high.” And, believe it or not, they have now linked longer lifespans to those who are habitually kind.

When I can express my love through kindness, it deepens my bonds with others and improves my social network.

Today, it’s not hard to be kind. But as a drunk, kindness was so foreign to me that I needed to be reminded often to practice it when I first got sober. Thank God for men and women who understood me in early recovery. By watching them, I somehow grasped that kindness is contagious. Their acts of kindness awakened the desire to be kind in me.

As the saying goes, “We can all be shining examples, or horrible warnings.” And today, I love to both receive and give kindness. And although I’m still nowhere near perfect at it, I’m definitely improving. Only God will get the credit for that. He is changing my selfishness and self-centeredness, and finally making me into the man He always wanted to me.

Good morning, Lord. What can I do for You today? Please put the people I need into my life today—and please put me into the lives of those who need me, too. Let me be kind and encouraging. And may I follow Your will today, and not my own.