Dear Friends,
I heard it again the other day. And it wasn’t the first time I’ve heard a waiter or a waitress make this comment:
“Sunday’s are the worst. These people come in after church, say a prayer over their food, treat me as if I’m their slave and then leave a measly tip….if they leave one at all!”
As a minister and the father of a son in the restaurant business, I find that extremely embarrassing. I wonder how many young waiters and waitresses we’ve lost to the church because of their experience with so-called ‘religious’ people who come to their restaurants and are rude like that. You know, religion is a tool, like a hammer. Why do some people who own hammers have no talent for building certain things? Kindness is a skill that develops with practice and motivation. Religion is a framework for practicing certain skills….like kindness. Just because you have a tool doesn’t mean that you know how to use it.
Obviously.
So friends, can’t we just be kind? This world is a crazy place. People scream and yell and fight all the time. It’s on us to make it better. It begins with a solitary moment, a simple word, an idea, and an impetus to do good, to be better. Every stranger knows something you do not. Let them teach you. Each person you pass on the street has something to share…a dream, a passion, a pleasure. Let them show you. Start today. Just be kind. The choice is yours and there are many options, but please take kindness with you wherever you go.
Everyone deserves kindness. Sure, sometimes bad people will do bad things to you. If you get angry, they win. The best revenge is a happy life. Rise above . Accept and elevate. Take it as it comes, one day at a time, moment by moment. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s everything. You can make a difference for good in someone’s life today.
Just be kind.
You are loved,
Wayne