Pretty people seemed to have it all. I put them on a pedestal.
Later, not so much.
A few years ago I was struck to the core by a former fellow student's wife's obituary. Dozens of condolences mentioned not her physical or financial assets, but how kind she was ... humble. I don't know about y'all, but that's the sort of legacy I'd like to leave.
No doubt, sitting outside my former boss' office for 15+ years contributed to my appreciation for the soft-spoken minority. If there exists a bigger name-dropper, status-conscious individual, I don't know. I'll probably go to my grave wondering if M ever knew how many of us were shaking our heads, snickering behind her back. Sad.
I long to be like my mother, humble. She was 'hard-wired' for kindness.
Like these, for instance, who've made an impression on me.
Without saying, "I'm the plant manager", R simply replied. "No, I'm on days."
Nevertheless, I enjoyed eavesdropping on her conversation. The elderly woman in the window seat was plainly terrified. Her first flight.
Daddy? "No, he couldn't come home right now; he has a job in Atlanta tomorrow."
(Love him or hate him, "he" is none other than "Sir Charles" (Barkey) -- a former NBA All-Star turned CBS analyst.)
Is there someone you know, who also embodies these traits? I love to hear about them.
I hope y'all enjoy a great new week!
Hugs, Myra
Your words were just what I needed to read on a Monda morning.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I almost didn't publish it.
DeleteWhat I really want to know is how did Sir Charles fit into the seats in coach?
ReplyDeleteIf he ever actually runs for governor in Alabama, I am voting for him. He would be the first governor who actually says what he thinks
Hahaha ... he stayed behind to broadcast something or another from Atlanta. (Tom was watching).
DeleteI'd vote for him in a heartbeat!
What an edifying post. The closer I get to Jesus, the more I want to be kind. The secret is to not be too kind, though, because then it becomes cruelty (i.e. not allowing or encouraging someone to stand on their own two feet - do not coddle).
ReplyDeleteAs for the kindest person I've ever know, thus far, is my husband Steve. He truly does embody one who loves the Lord then reflects that with kindness, generosity, calmness, witnessing to the lost and edifying the Saints. I want to be more like him.
God bless ya! Hope you have a wonderful day and week. 💙
You are so blessed to have a love like Steve!
DeleteI've always loved the song that says be humble and kind. Such wise words for us all. The older I get the humbler I am. Every time I've ever thought too much of myself, something happens to make me feel very humble. I guess that would be God telling me not to show off. As far as kindness goes, I'd have to say it is the best gift you can give to anyone. A day without kindness in it is a wasted day. Good thoughts to start off a new week. Thank you! Love, ma
ReplyDeleteYou know, when I wrote this title I was thinking of that song! Watching the ladies around me at Bible study is enormously humbling ... they're so much better at being kind.
DeleteWe should all hope that the legacy we leave others is that they praise our humble demeanor and love, not our looks.
ReplyDeleteHave a great and blessed week, too, Myra!
Thank you so much!
DeleteOh my goodness I love this post. You are so right - although it is hard to believe in this world - people love looks - but Jesus loves our heart and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a friend we have in Jesus!
DeleteDelightful post today.
ReplyDeleteIts a great reminder to be kind and not think too highly of one's self. Others first.
I remember a conversation I had with a dear friend from church. She said that families are the best with more than one child in them. Dead silence on my part...she then went on to say that "only children" are selfish and don't know how to get along with others, its all about them...dead silence...
I am an only child... total shock... That conversation was at least 30 years ago and I have never forgotten it. I began to question myself...am I that way.. oh Lord I hope not...
She never knew what an affect her words had on me and I still loved her deeply until her dying day. Maybe I showed her that not all only children are selfish and unkind. I know my folks would have loved to have more kids but God deemed otherwise.
Wow...memories do crawl out of the distant past don't they?
Sue
Oh m'gosh, on your friend's opinion! I, too, am (was?) an only child. I'm so impressed you chose to take the high road and not sully your friendship.
DeleteI don't think her comments ever crossed her mind that she was including me in that category. She really was a very kind and giving friend. But I guess the shock still remains someplace in me...since I am talking about it. I knew there was something I liked about you (:0)
DeleteSisters in Blogdom !!
Sue
I can't think of anyone right now, my mother and my dad's sister were two of the most humble and kind ever. the thing is, my dad was the opposite, I got his DNA. my brother is kind and gentle, he got mothers DNA. Aunt Helen was the only kind and gentle of the 7 kids, that included my dad. Helen had 2 daughters. one was kind and gentle the other was like me and daddy. its all about how we are born, trying to fit myself into a mold that was not me is what I did all my life. same as you with that darn mirror.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your stories of others, and found I had no clue who any of them were except I did know the name President bush, did not know he had a daughter, or that he owns what ever team you said he owns. see I can't even remember what I just read.. Ha ha.. great post. I am kind to strangers and the poor always get more kindness than the rich.
Is this like 'survival of the fittest' I wonder? I don't have a floor mat tattooed on my forehead, but wish I was more assertive, less worried what people would think of me.
DeleteThanks for sharing this post. I want to be remembered for being kind too.
ReplyDeleteI think you are!
DeleteRegarding looks vs. personality. Many years ago, a young lady was transferred from the west coast to be the assistant for one of the VP’s of our company. The first time I met her, I remember thinking how unattractive she was. As we all got to know her, she was the sweetest, kindest and most helpful person you can imagine. She was very uplifting to everyone. I realized one day that she was actually very attractive just because of these qualities.
ReplyDeleteThank you, "Anon"!
DeleteThank you for this wonderful post today, Mevely. It's a message many want to hear; and should hear.
ReplyDeleteWe live at a time when people feel they should be aggressive and angry in order to get on. Humility is seen as a weakness and apologies are seen as an admittance to guilt and the possibility to compensation in the Courts. So people don't say sorry; and get in entrenched positions where peace and harmony die a little bit more.
God bless you for a great article.
I came really close to not publishing this at all, Victor. Thank you so much!
DeleteThe world needs to hear Christian messages like yours, Mevely. Again, thank you for this post.
DeleteGod bless.
Oh you made me cry, thinking of Diann. Such a kind heart. Vivian, my sweetheart of a girlfriend. Took anything anyone ever shared with her to the grave and donated her body to science . She was always doing things to make me wonder how she could always be so kind and caring without a cross word about others. My dad and my uncle " Munson: but never heard an unkind remark or cross word about anyone. They both shared the same first name, Edward. Good men with love for God, their country and of course, their families. I am not a huge fan of celebrities but the actor Zach Galifianakis had a homeless woman who he befriended. When he became a big star he paid and still pays for her apt. Talk about being raised right! President Trump, George Strait, Vanna White and Denzel Washington are famous folks I know who have dug deep into their own pockets to help others. The only other politician I knew who was incredibly kind was my very first boss, Mary Shomer the County Treasurer when I worked in the courthouse right out of high school. I may have to write a similar post. THANK YOU. Love & Hugs friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling me about these precious souls!
DeleteThis post was very thought provoking for me. To be honest, I don't think humility has ever been one of my best traits. I've had to learn it the hard way over the years, through many disappointments and yes, some embarrassing and humiliating experiences. I'm still learning. Jesus is my "Role Model", but I still have a long way to go. Thank you for this message that helps us to see what really matters most in life. Oh, and remember that "outward beauty is only skin deep". True beauty comes from within a person and shines out through the windows of their eyes and through the beating of their heart, and also through their lips...something I am still asking God to help me become. This was such a powerful message. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmen to "I'm still learning." Thank you so much for walking alongside me!
DeleteMy mom was one of the kindest people I have known. She was always ready to help people, fix meals to take to the sick, everything. I like to think I have been like that for decades!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, 'Anon'!
DeleteWell, I accidentally deleted my comment!! And I can't reconstruct what I said.
ReplyDeleteMy mom was like yours - humble, kind, nd honest to a fault.
I'm not sure if i was humble, but I severely lacked self esteem. I thought I was ugly (six ft. tall with blonde hair and blue eyes....) thought I was stupid (ha). It took nearly a lifetime to finally appreciate myself.....
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DeleteA great post, Myra!
DeleteI understand! 🤗
DeleteI so loved this post, Myra! My mom was the kindest person I've ever known. Yes, a much better legacy to leave behind... be kind.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terri! Some days are easier than others ....
DeleteOh I really enjoyed this post, the stories you told were great! Some people can just touch your heart and never know it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, 'Anon'!
Delete"The best portion of a good man’s life: His little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love."
ReplyDelete—William Wordsworth
❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕
Oh, I ❤️ that!
DeleteI love love love your stories today! We had a funeral last week and the pastor looked down at the husband on the front row and told him that if there were more husbands like him, the world would be a much better place. His wife had just had her 64 birthday and died of ALS three days later. He took such good care of her. I told my friends that I hoped people would be able to say nice things about me when I die! I think you are right -- the way we act and the way we treat others is so very important.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDelete