The treasure of kindness

Often in opposing thought and opinion, many find themselves being rude and insensitive to the feelings and ultimate effect upon the public reputation of the other person.

One of the blessings of living in “Almost Heaven” West Virginia, and North Central West Virginia in particular, is the practice of basic kindness. I have found over my many years of interaction with others that almost all are friendly, helpful, and, most of all, kind. I am Mountaineer proud to call this area my home.

No matter where my interaction may occur, the added attribute of kindness has been displayed. It would seem this attribute has been passed on through families, schools, and other forms of example setting.

Servers in restaurants, employees at gas stations and convenience stores, workers at grocery stores, teachers and administrators, doctors and dentists and their office staffs – the list could fill a full page if all were included by their kindness and projection of caring.

In many strained and uncomfortable situations that life throws at us, it takes a positive attitude and strong will to maintain a composure of kindness. One who demonstrates kindness should never be perceived as having a pushover personality or being weak.

Even the strongest defenders of their personal pet peeves and inner standards of proper behavior may still remain kind in spirit and understanding.

One historical example of simple kindness occurred when General Lee formally surrendered to General Grant at the end of the Civil War. According to accounts, as was military custom of that era, Lee presented his sword to Grant, but Grant refused to accept it as a token of his respect for his defeated foe. Grant also released all prisoners of war and told Lee to send the remaining soldiers home to their families. It would be hard to find a more moving example of an act of kindness.

We all possess the ability to be kind if we so choose. Kindness has a way of being contagious because it feels so good to the giver and to the receiver. Often kindness can be felt and appreciated without a word being spoken. Even a small action of kindness will remain in the fond memories of the recipient.

According to Wordsworth, “The best portion of a good person’s life is their little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” No greater honor may be bestowed than by stating that a person was kind in all situations of life.