Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley

Appreciating life is about learning to see the value in what’s already in your hands. Family, friends, health, or the simple luxury of enjoying your morning tea. Those are the things which truly matter. Life is a collection of stories, moments, growth and flashes of wisdom.

We spend so much time chasing more, thinking those things will make us happy. Yet, in the small ordinary moments, we often overlook, happiness can reside. There are days when you feel like you’re running on auto pilot, or your tank is completely empty. Your body telegraphs those signs when you clench your teeth, or your shoulders tighten, revealing: you just don’t want to deal with people, problems, or the attitudes of a co-worker. I think kindness is the answer.

The power of kindness has a way of softening those edges of a difficult day. Grand gestures are awesome but simple acts of kindness can leave a gentle lingering mark. Being kind doesn’t fix everything, but it instills hope the next thing, or moment is possible. Kindness matters because it stimulates improvement in physical and mental health for both the giver and receiver. Kindness promotes healing in relationships and breaks down barriers, reduces stress and can strengthen connections, for better overall physical health and longevity.

Seeing someone act kindly often inspires other people to pay it forward. It creates a ripple effect which can travel further than you realize, and it all starts with one small choice. Kindness in the Bible is not just a feeling but action and way of living. It closely related to the concept of love, mercy and compassion. Remember, we all have been recipients of God's grace and can channel that kindness to others.