Kindness

     From a child, most everyone is told and taught to be kind.  It's an elementary lesson, one that can be rehearsed so many times in our mind, yet overlooked.  Instead, I'd like kindness to be stitched into my heart and automatically show up. 
     Proverbs 31 speaks of a "virtuous woman" whose "price is far above rubies."  Verse 26 declares, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."  How wonderful to be around such a lady as this! 
     I follow a blog called Simply Farmhouse.  Lately, she posted a 30 day husband encouragement challenge.  I guess this may have started this thought process.  It mainly encouraged a wife to speak words of kindness and hold back any words of negativity.  Then, it encouraged kindness through your everyday actions.  Everyone has heard that actions speak volumes louder than words!
     Soon after, I began noticing little things that I would usually say that I didn't mean and how they could sound rather harsh.  Everyone that knows Nathan, knows he is not a fussy person.  He will not argue.  He is not easily angered or upset, and that is such a blessing for our marriage!  However, just saying little things can spring a rift in a happy family setting quite easily.  It may be just "Why did you do that?" or "I just swept the floor and now look..."  It doesn't have to be a huge argument for him not to LOVE coming home.  I've learned that some things are much better left unsaid.  If he's already made a decision, then what's the use in being fussy over it?  Nagging is something men hate!  It is so easily done...without even realizing it, it can become habit. 
     An elder preacher, Brother Archie Morgan shared a testimony with us about a dear sister at church who has passed on.  He told of her kind words and deeds.  He still remembers her that way because her kindness never died.  Her kindness still encourages and blesses his heart even today.
     I desire our house to be a place of refuge.  I desire my words to be words of kindness.  I desire for my husband and children to know that my words and actions are loving.  I do love them dearly!  I want to create a habit of praise and an atmosphere of smiling.  I want happy children.  I have done it, but I HATE yelling.  Being a fussy box is unhappy misery spilling out for everyone to see.
     When praying for someone here recently who looks so sull and unhappy, the thought just came to me, "Kill them with kindness!"  As I found out right away, this may kill me first!  But, I just laughed and went right on to plan my next sneak attack of kindness!
     May we all go and seek to be kind in word and deed.  God will bless us!  Our kindness will not die even after we are gone.  Let's leave a legacy of kindness to be remembered by!  :)