Kindness, It Doesn't Come Naturally

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Recently, we took the train to Washington, DC to attend a concert at the Kennedy Center.


On the way up, five college students were busy moving about the train, getting snacks, then drinks and so on. Of the five young people, three were young ladies, and two young men. Two of the girls were pretty, shapely and well dressed. One was loosely dressed, obviously trying to hide a life of eating too many gravy biscuits. Always, and I say always, the pretty girls led the way, followed by the two males, admiring you know what, and the odd one out made up the caboose. Why? The chubby girl most likely has always followed others just to be a part. Why couldn't the guys say to her, "Come up here with the other girls? Why couldn't the two pretty girls include her and let her lead the single file procession, up the isle on that train? . . . INSTINCTIVE SELFISHNESS.


After the Brahms and Beethoven concert, a bus was furnished to take the crowd back to the subway station. You can imagine, the bus was packed; standing room only. Most folks, squeezed onto that bus were elderly. Dozens had to stand, hold on to straps. Surely some had bursitis and couldn't hold to straps. Some used a cane, they stood and wobbled as the bus weaved through the streets. AND YOU HAVE GUESSED IT. Four young persons sat on the bus's bench, right in front of us, laughing, texting and jabbering. NEVER even considering to offer their seat to an elder. . . . SELFISHNESS  


Kindness is impossible if you have made yourself god in your life. This sounds ridiculous, but if your life evolves around you, there is no use for kindness. Some may be kind to a certain person to obtain something they want, or wind up with a benefit that will further their desires, powers, or position. True kindness only comes from abandonment; that is a dismantling of self.


Why do we teach young children that there is a Santa, then sign the package from 'Aunt Lois'? . . .  Because, we want the thanks, the praise, the reward! We, the grown-ups want to keep track of what was spent. . . . SELFISHNESS


Why do we send Christmas cards wishing them a Blessed Season AND sign the card? . . . We want to be recognized. In a sense we say, "Look you've got your card early enough so you can send me one." I say: send the card, wish them a Merry Christmas, and don't sign or put a return address on the envelope. Then the recipient will say, "Who likes me enough to buy a card, spend 44 cents to mail it, and don't want anything in return?"


One more point. Do you only say "Hello" after someone said so to you?




Matthew 5:46-47

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