Be Kind

I read the following quote yesterday, and it really made an impact with me.

"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantages of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other." ~Marvin J. Ashton

Is there anyone that comes to mind when you read that quote? I think it can relate to a friend, co-worker, spouse, etc. For me, I thought of my children. I think sometimes as parents, you expect a lot out of your children. You expect them to be well-behaved, to be polite, to do their chores, etc. And what do we do when our children don't mind? We discipline them. But I noticed that there is something missing in there...teaching. Are we taking the time to actually teach our children what is expected of them? Or are we just expecting it. If my child licks the serving spoon and puts it back in the fruit bowl, I can't just send him to his room or make him do the dishes, or what ever form of discipline have you. I need to teach him that it's not okay to do that, and why.

But like I said, this can relate to any relationship. Let's all try to be kind and patient with each other. It starts with yourself!