“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” … Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Kindness says Thank You
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, wrote that if we practice a habit of silently repeating Thank You Father, “it becomes deeply rooted in us, second nature“. He continues , “by saying these three simple words we derive enormous benefit“.
Brother Lawrence speaks of an ongoing conversation with God, a deeply intimate relationship where only he and God exist in the world. What world could be better for living life unaffected by outside circumstances? But my intent here is not to get religious. God’s love is given freely to each of us, and all of us, and I have no intention or desire to tell you how to live in that Love.
I yearn for simplicity, and hope to find it by transforming a clutter of thoughts into a simple guide for living the rest of my life. Please bear with me. My mind has always found purpose in wandering curiously. Such is the mystery of life.
Thank You Father.
Perhaps a good way to begin is to assemble my thoughts with a thankful heart and present them to the world. I, of course, in no way presume that the world is even remotely interested in what I have to say. Nonetheless, I’m sure all of you are acquainted with the benefits of releasing your heart’s desires and regrets, and I hope that a few of you may fuel curiosity in your own lives while reading these pages.
I Thank You sincerely for your time. Our modern lives are too often hectic, demanding, at times chaotic moments that we never seem to have enough of. We must use them wisely, “Be Mindful” as Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, because our perceived lack of quantity can quickly become a very real lack of quality.
Though Brother Lawrence speaks of shifting focus from himself to God, I believe his simple method has incredible value for all of us in our busy, everyday world. If we can shift our focus from ourselves to everyone we come in contact with, and say Thank You Ma’am, or Thank You Sir, we too derive enormous benefit.
It is simple, it takes only a moment, and the opportunities are endless.
It is kindness in action, and while kindness inwardly benefits the giver, the ripple effect of compassion for others is boundless. The world is blessed with acts of kindness that have their origin in two simple words, Thank You.
Detach. Be an observer of your own life, and see yourself seeking out, and eagerly setting in motion opportunities for kindness. Share your gratitude as the beauty of kindness grows, and your chances to touch the lives of others unfold more and more every day.
In a difficult world kindness has great power. It is not simply a tool for transformation, it is a way of life.
A life of simply repeating two words, every chance you get.
Kindness says Thank You.
You are kindness.
Thank You Father.