I expect to pass through this world but once.
If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, to any fellow being let me do it now.
Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
I have this quote sitting on my kitchen window sill. To be honest I have moved it from house to house, season to season and mood to mood. It is one of my favorite and has proven true. A powerful quote to guide my way.
Some sources say it is a Quaker saying from the mid 1800s; other credit it to Stephen Grellet, a Quaker missionary.
I believe its message on the value and importance of kindness. And kindness in a prompt manner – don’t leave that good intention on the shelf.
My mama lived this quote and practiced its meaning. She would always say if you hear something kind about someone, pass that onto that person. Everyone needs to hear kind words – there is just too much negativity surrounding us.
Smile at the store clerk.
Use the person’s name in your conversation.
Offer to pray for someone.
Write that long overdue letter.
Prepare a special meal or surprise a family member with breakfast in bed!
Teach someone.
Listen to someone.
Just sit in silence with someone.
I realized this week how God has been showing me the Fruit of the Spirit this year. I have been pondering gentleness, self-control, patience, faithfulness, and now kindness.
I am excited to see where he will invite me next.
I do “I expect to pass through this world but once.” so now is the time for kindness.
If in doubt, choose the more compassionate option.
If rushed, pause before running off and really look for that opportunity for empathy.
Seek understanding more than my being right or voicing my opinion.
Express my gratitude to others and to God.
Reach out to someone I have lost contact with.
Be gentler and kinder when I drive.
Pass on that compliment.
Simple.
Inexpensive.
Not always easy but always in need.
Kindness
Kindness is just love with its workboots on. ~Author Unknown
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. ~Henry James
How do you practice kindness? Do you have a favorite lifelong quote?
As a child, I got into trouble at school for talking too much. Somewhere along the way I noticed there seemed to be more talkers in the world than listeners. I determined to become a better listener. Here’s what I discovered: There is great joy in becoming a sounding board for someone else! Once again, God’s way is proven the best way: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Thank you, Jean, for inspiring us to be kind at every opportunity!
Listening to someone and possibly biting our tongue is certainly one of the best acts of kindness we can do. Good point, Nancy
Amen, Jean 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing…Always appreciate you, my friend.
You are always so nice to leave a comment, Dolly. Thank you
Good word Jean. It seems that I am often the kindest to those who don’t live in my home. In a new stage of life where we’ve moved far from friends and family God is speaking to me about practicing more acts of kindness to my hubby. I must atune my ears to listen and act!
I was your neighbor on Spiritual Sundays today and I’m glad to meet you.
Blessings,
Patti
Hi Patti thanks for dropping into my blog. You are so right about us not being kind to those we live with. How easy that is and what a perfect place to practice kindness. glad to connect!
Nice poem Jeanie!
Thanks Tom and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Very inspirational and such an important message to remember and act on every day. Thanks for sharing, Jeanie!
Thanks for your kind words, Monica. Hope you have a terrific weekend
Great quote! I live my life by the saying: “Always leave the world a better place than how you found it.” That goes for not just my physical surroundings, but the way I interact with people as well. I think one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is the difference between being kind and being nice. Great post!
That is a great life quote, Nicole. Thanks for stopping by!
So much truth in these words! Thanks for sharing.
thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Glad we connected
Hi Jean! It is simple, but I wonder if it’s inexpensive. It costs my time and my thought pattern, and right now that’s pretty expensive territory. I hope I can get to your level, where it’s easier and ‘cheaper’ to do!
Kindness is something that’s not taught much anymore. It’s all about fast, ‘me firsts’ and getting ahead at any cost. I like this post, because it reminds me that I shouldn’t get caught up in that way of thinking.
Blessings my friend 🙂
Ceil
I think you have made a great point, Ceil. It does cost us something – a part of our ego and willingness to be first or always right. Great point. Let’s both try to make kindness more contagious. Have a great weekend!
“If in doubt, choose the more compassionate option.” Thank you for this reminder that kindness can be such simple things, but important things. My philosophy has grown into a similar thing: “Err on the side of grace.” Beautiful post, Jean.
side of grace and always with love. We can’t go wrong with that can we, Lisa? Hope you have a terrific weekend
I do seek to be kind to those I meet and interact with each and every day. For me, kindness is one of those attributes that spring naturally from God’ love in us. Blessings, Jean!
Love your concept of kindness springing forth from God’s love in us and between us. Great image too,Martha. Thanks