Dear Lord; Good morning Father!
In recent months Father, my children have become much more observant of the people around them and the things they say and do. This of course has led to LOTS of questions about behaviors and mannerisms, and why people act in certain ways. Following a car ride we took over the weekend, I started thinking much more in-depth about what they’re asking and the responses I’ve been giving them.
“Why do people throw trash on the ground?” asked Aidan as he looked out the car window Saturday afternoon. “Because sometimes, people can be lazy and selfish I’m afraid.” I responded. A little further down the road, I put my turn signal on to move over into a different lane. When I did so, instead of making space to let me in the driver of the car next to me closed the gap between themselves and the car in front of them, effectively preventing the lane-change. Sensing my annoyance, one of the boys piped up “Why’d they do that?”. “Because sometimes people only think about themselves.” I replied.
As I look back on that ride, I’m a little disappointed by the answers I gave to the boys. These were prime openings for much deeper discussions about how our actions or inactions can affect others, and how with little acts of kindness and thoughtfulness we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us. Little things like holding onto your napkin from lunch until you find a trash can, or moving aside when you see someone with their turn signal on cost us very little effort, and yet can be the difference between a smile and “the last straw” of someone’s day.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
In the same respect Lord, I am also convicted by my own words as well. In a rush to get to work in the morning, how many times have I cut someone off without thinking about it? How many times have I not stopped to help someone in need when I truly could have? How often have I focused on situations in my own life instead of trying to reach out to others going through difficult times? I do try to be a good person and show kindness and comfort to others, but if I’m brutally honest with myself I know I can do more.
Heavenly Father, please help guide me to be a source of compassion, support and understanding to those around me. Lead me to reach out in the spirit of Your Love, and to show that Light to others. Kindness is contagious Lord; Please aid me in starting an epidemic. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
As I was reading the answer you gave your sons, I felt shame because I have given answers like that too. We are quick to put the blame on others, but forget that we too are at fault. How many times have I criticized someone for doing something that I have done myself. We are to be different from the world. I want to offer compassion and mercy to those around me. Thanks for this great post!
We’re all guilty of that particular hypocrisy now and again Lisa. However, through effort and prayer I hope to make progress in correcting the behavior and becoming a better example for my children.
Have a Blessed Day!
Parenting is hard! Knowing exactly what to say and how to say it is hard. Sometimes I feel like I may be messing up my kids! Don’t be too hard on yourself my friend… At least you didn’t spout off a few choice words! Anyway, the option to revisit the issue is always available. The next time y’all are in the car, you could bring it back up again and get into a deeper discussion? These realizations always seems to happen after the fact, don’t they!? I really love your honesty in this post… We are all right there with ya!
It is indeed Kelli, but it’s also one of the most important jobs we have! Thank you so much for the encouragement, and your words of wisdom!
Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!
Your post really made me thing. So many times I give my kids the quick and easy answer (sadly I have even just said I don’t know a time or two). I need to use these as teaching opportunities. Thank you so much for this! It really encouraged me to dig deeper.
We’re all guilty of this one Jenifer, God just decided to make a point of it to me at this moment. With His help, it can be made better!
Have a Blessed Day!
Ok Phil…so sorry I keep leaving you out on my posts…I think I’ll start saying “So girls, (and Phil)!” I certaintly dont want to leave you out! You are AWESOME!
Too funny Kelli! I was simply making fun… I NEVER feel excluded or left out in the discussions over at M.O.M. You ladies do a wonderful job, and even when the posts are targeted specifically to women I still gain insight and blessings from what you write.
You two have been a Blessing to me, and I thank you for it!
Have a Blessed Day!
Isn’t that what we should all strive for? It is the essence of our faith, but also the example we should set for our children. Hard to do most of the time though!
Thank you Allison! It is indeed the essence of what we believe, and yet upon self-examination I found myself lacking in some respects. With God’s help and determination, I’m working to improve. We’re all works in progress! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Kindness is contagious. My most recent post addresses the very same thing. Something as simple and effortless as a smile can lift the gloom from a person’s day. God must be speaking to His people on making the extra effort to show kindness and compassion.
Joy and peace,
~ Debra
Welcome Debra, and thank you so much for your comment!
It truly is amazing how a simple gesture of compassion or kindness can make all the difference in someone’s day (or life). May we all find His strength to step past ourselves and show that Light to others. 🙂
Thank you again for coming by, and I’m headed over to your site now!
Have a Blessed Day!
Kindness truly is contagious. Sometimes, it doesn’t even need any external action to spread its heavenly contagion: a kindly look will more than suffice. Thankyou Phil.
Thank you Christopher! I completely agree, and love the phrase “heavenly contagion”… Just fits!
Have a Blessed Weekend Sir!
My favourite song at the moment is “God of Love” from London Community Gospel Choir’s album “Glorious”.
The chorus basically asks the question “How can we say we love our God when we don’t find it in our hearts to love one another? If only we would learn, our lives would change for God is love.”
Not long after listening to that for the first time, a man with mobility problems asked me to help him go for a country walk as he found it too difficult alone. I said yes and we’ve become firm friends. He’s already helped me a lot more than I helped him!
Welcome Jen, and thank you for stopping in and commenting!
I haven’t heard that song, or anything from that Choir in general but I’m certainly going to check them out. Thank you so much for the referral. As for the chorus’ intent, it’s a wonderful question. If we all could learn to love others as Jesus did, just imagine what kind of world this would be. 🙂
I’m off to check off your site as well! Have a Blessed Day!