As most of you know, I write the “Volunteer of the Month” article for our monthly newsletter, Tidings of Joy.  It is a pleasure to interview these wonderful people of our church who give so much of themselves to spread God’s love through their actions.  As we end our interview, I always ask the question “What would you most like to see change in our world”? and without hesitation every one of them has answered in the same way.  They would like to see people being nicer to each other.  In other words, I think they are saying, “Just be kind”.

Ian Maclaren once wrote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  Perhaps the best reason to be kind to others is the simple fact that we are all struggling in some way.  In the big picture, people may be out of work, agonizing on how they will pay their rent and put food on their table as we see every day all over the world as a result of so many factors.  Others may be distressed with fear of violence from the surroundings of where they live or abuse within the walls of their own homes. Still others may be facing health issues of their own or of a loved one and it becomes debilitating both physically and emotionally.  And others may be lonely, facing life in an isolated situation without hope for a better future.  However big or small the torment may be, the pain is real and fear and anxiety are often the result.

I think suffering and strife are built into the universe and nothing is ever truly at rest.  Being kind, however, lightens that burden.  Something as simple as a smile tells the other person you care, and you are here to help, even if only with moral support.  Sometimes being kind means more than offering moral support.  You may have to grab your tools, help fix a water leak, pull a car out of a ditch or fix a meal that will feed a grieving family. In addition to our other ongoing social ministries, this month, here at Joy, we are collecting food/drinks/hygiene items for the Women’s Shelter and for the homeless to help them with their daily struggles. 

Anything can help the other person to feel like they are not alone in their struggle.  If we were in this struggle alone, life would be meaningless, but a smile from someone, even a stranger reminds us that we are not. There is almost always others ready to lend a hand, if only we reach out to them.  But the greatest assurance we have in our lives is God’s unconditional love.  He is always here and He understands the battle we are fighting.  Just reach out to Him and feel His love. 

Patty