Kindness

Do you consider yourself to be a kind person? Why is this simple question so difficult to answer? I believe that we each would automatically say that Yes we are kind, however would others agree with you. How about those that the closest to you, your spouse, kids, co-workers? Yikes, maybe I am not so kind. The dictionary definition is, 'of a sympathetic or helpful nature'.

The book, The Love Dare states that kindness is Love in action. Some how this simple definition struck me as truth. Each time that we demonstrate kindness, we are showing our Love in action. In addition LD (love Dare), breaks kindness down into 4 Categories; Gentleness, Helpfulness, Willingness and Initiative.

Gentleness-When acting in kindness, you attempt to be gentle in all your actions and words. If you had to tell your spouse that an outfit did not look the best on them, you would choose your words very carefully to ensure that they did not hurt their feelings. You would be gentle.

Helpfulness-When acting in kindness, you show this by being helpful, by recognizing what actions need to happen, and then doing them or helping to do them, without being concerned for your own agenda.

Willingness-When acting in kindness, you show this by being willing to do what needs to be done, not what you want to do. By being willing to do what your spouse wants to do rather than what you want to do. Such as going to lunch with her after church rather than hurrying home to watch a Football game. You are willing to put her needs above yours.

Initiative-When acting in kindness, you show this by taking the initiative and doing things before being asked. After years of being married, our spouses have somewhat of a routine on certain actions. If you know that Sunday is laundry day, you could take the initiative to separate the clothes so that she can just put them into the machine without having to separate them first. Of if you know that basket needs to be taken up stairs, you could do it without being asked, and even put the clothes away.

My dare today is to show kindness to my spouse.....look forward to this challenge...