Monday, July 27, 2009

Kindness

“Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. In the slums we are the light of God’s kindness to the poor. To children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile. Give them not only your care, but also your heart.” -- Mother Teresa

This is an excerpt from the book I'm reading right now called "A Gift for God," which is a collection of quotes and meditations by and from Mother Teresa. It is my heartfelt prayer for myself, my family, and all of God's children that God would make these beautiful words true in our lives and hearts and innermost selves. The picture is a picture of tulips from our yard this spring.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, I want your yard...those are gorgeous Mel! These are wonderful and inspiring words from Mother Theresa! I would add that it just feels really good to be kind!

Hugs to you and God bless!

Trudy

Laura lok said...

lovely passage I would also add kindness begins at home. Treat your family the way you would be treated so many times we take for granted the people we live with and they end up seeing our worst side when really they should be seeing our best side.

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Mel:)

Lovely, wonderful, fascinating, gorgeous red tulips. What a fantastic sight! They are too beautiful, gorgeous and makes me feel very happy just to see them in the photo. How lucky you are to see them in your yard! Marvelous!

If we love God and love our neighbor, kindness will automatically follow. But if we want to compete with our neighbor and consider poverty is the result of indolence, our kindness will evaporate.

If we are burdened with our own worries and problems, how can we be kind to others?

Well, these are some thoughts which popped up in my mind after reading the inspiring quote from Mother Teresa.

Have a lovely, beautiful day Mel:)
I wonder how long those tulips will remain so fresh and lovely?
Joseph:)

Rhapsody Phoenix said...

Blessings....

Hope you are well and life is treating you kind.

Kindness is easy, always remembering to be kind when in the trios of trials and tribulations is the challenge.

thanks for the reminder.

FCB said...

Hi Mel,
when ever Mother Teresa is quoted my heart opens; "a living expression of God's kindness", Mmmm, what a wonderful thought. In this rush rush world it so easy to go the day long and never give our hearts to a soul.
I think that's the power of a smile, it engages people and opens the door for heart connection, such a simple thing really, like so many of Mother Teresa's advice, simple enough to change the world.

God bless Mel, I covet your tulips :)Fred

Danielle&Hannah said...

Hey Mel,

No harm in doing good - EVER! It is a good thing to look outside of ourselves :)

hugs,
Danielle

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Mel:)

Many, many thanks for the lovely and interesting comment in my post.

As regards your suggestion, I did not link the original post because the blog owner did not even bother to read my comments.

I hope and pray you and your family are well.

Best wishes:)
Joseph

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Mel:)

I read from a post on 6th August by my blogger friend MARK IN SPOKANE as follows:)

"We had a huge rainstorm sweep through the area tonight. Our neighborhood got soaked, and there were huge lightning flashes all over the place. A large thunderbolt hit outside our house -- the house shook from the force of the strike. It was absolutely amazing. Terrifying, too!

This has been a very intense summer storm -- usually our weather is more sedate and predicable (meaning dry and hot) this time of year.

Update: I'm watching the local late-night news right now, and according to the news report about 1000 people are without power right now. It seems that the rain has stopped for now, but the winds are picking up. More rain is predicted for tomorrow. Wow. What a summer storm!"

I hope you and your family are keeping well and not affected.

Best wishes:)
Joseph

Joseph Pulikotil said...

Hi Mel:)

You are a strong believer of
God and you have great faith in HIM. He will not forsake you in this hour of crisis. Surely he will show a way out and make every thing all right.

I am praying for you Mel. Every thing will be sorted out. Have courage and faith.
Joseph

Danielle&Hannah said...

Mel... hang onto what you know is good.. right... true... have faith in your God... because He loves you and He see's you... and He longs to comfort you... love you,
Danielle