The Sunday Sermonette – A Rare Perfume.

     In the mid-sixties, my Dad went to Chicago to visit his Father. While they were having breakfast in the dining room of the hotel where my Grandfather lived, they noticed an elderly woman just outside the dining room window struggling with some packages. Suddenly, she tottered and fell to the sidewalk.

     It amazed my Dad that no one stopped to assist her, much less paid her any attention as she labored to stand upright again. My Father and Grandfather jumped up, rushed outside, got the lady to her feet, gathered her packages, and then helped her board a bus. She thanked them repeatedly, waving and smiling at them as the bus drove away.

     I have never forgotten that story. My Dad and Grandfather’s simple act of kindness touched my heart then and still does today. As a young teenager, I could not help but question why no one stopped to assist the lady. Were they too busy or late for work, or was her problem just that—her problem, and thankfully not theirs?

     In our world of self-rule, many contend they are accountable only to themselves. It’s all about them and the all-important ME. The danger in self-rule is this—the only guidance a person seeks is his or her own wisdom, coupled with an allegiance to his or her self-interests. Nothing else matters.

     When this happens, the simple pleasantries of life, like kindness, are lost in a stinking morass of self-indulgence, coupled with a complete lack of empathy for those around us. The rare perfume of kindness evaporates into that morass and is lost. No wonder, dear ones, our world is a rank, shattered, and chaotic place.  

     But even with the best intentions, our kindness can sometimes be rebuffed. And that hurts. Then we, too, fall into that self-indulgent morass. We want to lash out. Or take revenge. However difficult it may be, we must never forget what the Good Books states: “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” That’s hard! Very hard! We are also reminded that being kind to our enemies will be like “heaping fiery coals on their heads.” Ouch! Although resisting revenge is difficult, it is also a powerful part of our personal growth.

     Lest we forget: If your kindness to those who have hurt or wronged you makes no impression on them, showing kindness to them will have a transformative effect on you. This transformative power of kindness is a beacon of hope in our rough-and-tumble world. It treats those people as fellow citizens, even if they do deserve to be treated as adversaries.  

     In the future, if someone wrongs you, “Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.” Resist the desire to say, “I’ll get you if it takes forever!” In its place, say, “I’m going to be nice to you, sprinkle you with the perfume of kindness, and hope it touches your foul-smelling heart, transforming you into a kinder individual.”

     Each of us needs to take a moment to reflect on our actions and reactions. Consider the power of kindness and the transformative effect it can have, both on others and on us. Then, armed with this understanding, march forward and practice kindness in your daily life.

     Ponder this and go forth.