There are moments in life when everything feels a little heavier than usual.
Nothing dramatic. Nothing that would make the headlines of our lives. Just the quiet weight of responsibilities, disappointments, or the lingering question of am I doing enough?
And then—almost unexpectedly—someone offers a kind word.
Not a grand speech. Not a perfectly crafted solution. Just a simple sentence:
“You’re doing a good job.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
And somehow, that’s enough. Bobby Scales is one of our retired pastors and he is an encourager. Bobby is in his mid-80's and has seen a lot of life and realizes how a kind word goes a long way. He pops into my office regularly to tell me that I'm doing a good job and his words usually come at just the right moment.
Kind words, when they come at just the right time, have a way of settling into our hearts. They interrupt the negative thoughts we didn’t even realize were growing - which as a #1 on the Enneagram . . .those negative and self-critical thoughts are on a roll in my head. They remind us that we’re not invisible. That what we’re doing matters. That we matter.
What’s interesting is how small these moments often are. A passing comment in the hallway. A quick text. A note scribbled in the margin. They take almost no time to give—but their impact can linger far longer than we expect.
I’ve been on the receiving end of those words more than once, often when I didn’t even know I needed them. And if I’m honest, I can also think of times when I could have said something kind—and didn’t. Not out of unkindness, but simply because I didn’t think it mattered that much.
But it does.
Kind words don’t require perfect timing—just a little attentiveness. A willingness to notice. A pause long enough to say what we’re already thinking but might otherwise keep to ourselves.
So maybe “K” is a gentle reminder.
If you think something kind about someone today, say it.
Send the text. Write the note. Speak the encouragement out loud.
Because you never really know what someone is carrying.
And your few kind words—offered at just the right time—might be the very thing that makes their day a little lighter… and their world a little better.
Share with all of us -- when has someone shared a kind word with you recently! We would love to hear!
Such a great reminder Lisa. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt’s important to be kind, especially when we don’t feel like it!
ReplyDeleteI can think of kind comment on my blog that made my day. Comments that showed people were reading them and they got something out of it
ReplyDeleteI remember one time when I complimented a receptionist at the dentist on her dress and she looked happier than I had ever seen her. Usually he was pretty glum.
Thank you, such a good reminder.
ReplyDeleteI sent two e mails on Friday thanking people for the kindness they have extended to our family recently.
Yes, I agree that this post is a great reminder to just be kind. It is all around us, if we just pay attention! Thank you!
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ReplyDeleteI can vividly remember a kindness I received so many years ago. My father was very ill in the hospital, I was taking a moment outside of his room to compose myself. I was leaning up against a wall and I must have looked like I was about to lose it. A woman who was visiting a loved one was also in the hallway. She came over to me, touched my arm and asked if she could help and I broke down in tears. I'll never forget it.
Such a beautiful post, Lisa. My name begins with K, and I think I'll equate that with kindness in hopes of being more kind. You're right, it is so appreciated, especially when it comes at just the right time.
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