Be Kind

Yesterday, an old lady grabbed me, kissed me, and gave me a big hug and wished me a Happy Mother's Day. I never met this woman before. She didn't know me. We weren't friends. She was a stranger. I did give her a free cup of coffee, but I had no idea she would respond the way she did. It caught me by surprise. Truthfully, I was a bit startled. I appreciated her gratitude. I smiled and wished her a Happy Mother's Day as well. She was affectionate. She was kind.

In a day and age when personal space can become a sexual harassment issue, I understand you can't just go around hugging and kissing strangers, but wouldn't it be nice if you could get a hug when you needed one? Wouldn't it be nice if we smiled at one another, and paid it forward? Wouldn't it be nice if we were kind to one another? Imagine that. Imagine truly loving your neighbor. Imagine what the world would look like if we were to be kind. 

Gain

The end of the year always makes me reflect. I reflect on the past year. I think about my victories and my losses. I think about my loved ones. I think about what I want to change, and what I can improve in the upcoming year. I try to set S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant/results focused,time-based) goals. I really try to drive home all of the lessons of the previous year. Most importantly, I ask myself what have I gained? As you prepare to embark on this new year, how have you grown? What have you gained? 

Mark 8:36 (KJV) For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?