There is more kindness in the world than you may believe
A Thought
Sister Mary Mercedes’ advice for courteous behaviour may be nearly a century old, but as this new edition of her 1920 classic proves, its common sense and thoughtful approach to all kinds of relationships is still appropriate for our times. Here is an excerpt on how simple acts of kindness can contribute to a better world.
“Consideration is the heart of all good manners, and a courteous manner is a grace that every young person should acquire. Sympathy, sensitivity, and tact make you a desirable companion at home, in school, and at work. Conveying your support through a sympathetic smile or a friendly touch can help a friend through a bad time. Tactful behavior springs from the heart, from the desire to put others at ease and make them comfortable, even in awkward or difficult situations.
“Some people proudly claim that they do not wish to be tactful because tact is not ‘honest.’ They do not realize that their ‘honesty’ can often be cruel; you can wound others with tactless or insensitive remarks, making the world more difficult for them and for yourself.
“There is more kindness in the world than you may believe. What passes for a lack of sympathy can simply be a lack of imagination or a lack of self-confidence; perhaps you hesitate to intrude upon another’s joy or sorrow. Fearing the hurt of rejection, you may cloud another’s joy by seeming indifferent, or leave another’s sorrow uncomforted because you fear your own feelings.
“If you are slow of speech or shy, remember that a sympathetic manner, a smile, a mere friendly touch can help smooth the rough edges of life. If you let the right moment pass today, or if you recognize the hurt you have caused only after the fact, you can still learn from your mistakes.
“When we become aware of our own shortcomings, we can more readily understand and forgive the faults of others. Despite our many differences, every one of us shares the same humanity with its strengths and its weaknesses.
” ‘Instill your love into all the world, for a good character is what is remembered,’ wrote a king of Heracleopis to his son and successor, Merikare, c 2135-2040 B.C.”
From A Book of Courtesy: The Art of Living With Yourself And Others by Sister M. Mercedes
A Prayer
Father of light, in you is found no shadow of change but only the fullness of life and limitless truth. Open our hearts to the voice of your Word and free us from the original darkness that shadows our vision. Restore our sight that we may look upon your Son who calls us to repentance and a change of heart, for he lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen
Music
The Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended
The choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury sing Rev Clement Cotterill Scholefield’s beautiful hymn The day Thou gavest Lord is ended.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pigh8VHr-ZE