Weekend Kindness
Reaching Others Through Kindness

I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase which titles this post. It is a portion of a famous line from a play; however, I find it both ironic and sad that the words “kindness” and “strangers” should be so firmly linked.

Is there not, however, much truth in that linkage? Am I the only one who oft finds it easier to be kinder to a stranger than I am to those “nearest and dearest” to me? That ought not be the case. Kindness should be most often expressed toward those in my own home. Ill-temper, impatience, discourtesy – these are all manifestations of unkindness in my life.

If I am to have healthy and joyful relationships with others (my spouse, children, friends, family members, and even strangers), I must exercise myself to be kind. I must not let familiarity breed contempt and must take care to root out the attitude that those closest to me should not take offense at any unkindness because I am just “letting down my hair” and “being me.” Instead, I must apply the wise advice of my grandmother: treat your family with the same courtesy and consideration you would treat a stranger. Or, as the Bible puts it, “do unto others as ye would have them do unto you.”

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