June 2023 Monthly Letter
Dear Reconcilers,
February was Black History Month so I decided to listen to an old interview of Rosa Parks. The United States Congress refers to Rosa Parks as the “first lady of civil rights” because in 1955, she refused to give up her bus seat in the “colored” section so a white man could sit down. When Rosa was asked why she did this, she said she was tired. She wasn’t physically tired, but tired of “giving in.” Her action helped change history.
My wife suggested asking some of our friends what is making them tired. Here are just a few of their remarks.
- They are tired of the meanness and lack of respect for others.
- They are tired of sending their kids to school and worrying if they will make it back home.
- They are tired of politicians dividing the county along color lines for power.
- They are tired of struggling to make ends meet with the high cost of everything.
- They are tired of supply shortages. For example, when getting our car serviced, the mechanic said he was tired because he can’t get the parts he needs to make car repairs.
It’s not surprising that the majority of the people we talked with were concerned about the world being out of control. They want meanness, lack of respect, division, and gun violence gone. Of course, that is easier said than done.
I was reading an article from the Mayo Clinic Health System website about the art of kindness. It emphasizes that kindness is more than just behavior. The art of kindness means harboring a spirit of helpfulness. It means being generous and considerate. It means doing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Kindness is simple, free, positive, and healthy.
Several weeks ago my wife and I went to the post office to mail four boxes—two large and two small. As we were looking in the trunk trying to figure out how to get these boxes inside the post office, we heard a voice say, “Don’t take them in. I can take them in for you.” We couldn’t tell where the voice was coming from so we turned around and saw a blue truck waiting for cars to pass so he could get into the parking lot. He told us to just wait and he would help us. He quickly parked, then hopped out of his truck, rushed over, and helped us get the packages inside.
What a great example of kindness! We gave him our sincere thanks. He said, “No problem. Glad to do it!” This man noticed our dilemma and took the time to help us. Colossians 3:12 tells us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Our country is going through a rough time right now. We are all tired of the meanness, disrespect, racial tension, gun violence, and homelessness. If we are tired of the way things are, we must do our part to change it. We could start by actively looking for ways to be kind. Thanks for all your support and encouraging comments! Hope you have a blessed week! May you stay safe and be kind!
