One of the most memorable fictional characters I can think of from high school is Boo Radley in Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Radley is a character most do not know about: seldom seen, shy and awkward, he is a silent presence looms as a sort of dark image throughout most of the bok. By the end of the story, we find out that Radley was also a purveyor of small gifts and ultimately, the saver of a life.
How often I mistake kindness as something that only comes from a certain kind of people, or do not expect it from certain people.
Kindness knows no personality borders. There is no "base case" for whether someone can or cannot practice kindness based on their outward demeanor or personality.
Sometimes they simply struggle to relate to people. Sometimes they can generally interact only one way most of the time. Everyone is indeed fighting battle, and many times we know nothing about it.
So I have tried to rectify this in myself. I have tried to remain neutral in terms of "if someone is capable of kindness" based on how they generally act.
Funny story that goes along with that: people have surprised with their kindness in ways that I never might have imagined based on their general actions and personality.
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy to people practicing kindness to others.
Kindness, if rendered anonymously, both for free and for fun ,can be immensely satisfying and nourishing to the soul.
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your day!
B - It really can be. This is a habit I need to cultivate more often.
DeleteThis is a good reminder not to make assumptions about anyone or anything. I have to continually remind myself that kindness (like respect) is something that can only be given, not taken.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I am horrible at assumptions - mostly bad - about people.
DeleteOn the bright side, if I do not make assumptions, I am sometimes pleasantly surprised at how people are. Unexpected kindnesses from unexpected quarters is always a great joy.
Do unto others even if if they don't do unto you perhaps TB. That might surprise them eh?
ReplyDeleteExactly, Nylon12. Sometimes people do not know how to express kindness; giving them space makes them free to it in their own time and way.
DeleteAs I've gotten older, I find myself seeking out those people that others avoid to hear their stories. I am almost always surprised at what I learn.
ReplyDeleteEd, people are usually the reason they are because of a reason. Very few seek out those reasons.
DeleteOne of the things I find enjoyable is finding those tidbits of information about such people in general sorts of conversation.
Bond, Kind Bond.
ReplyDeleteHeh heh. Well played sir, well played.
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