Every Tuesday morning, unless I'm out of town, you can find me at the local Whataburger at 8:30 AM for a weekly "Fella-Ship" meeting of guys from my church. We gather to support one another, discuss our recent doctor appointments, share fishing reports, and show pictures of our families to each other. We also discuss local news and current events. At 65 years old, I'm the youngest of the bunch.
One 90 year old attendee refers to our group as a "gathering of the wise guys." He means this as a compliment. Each of us in attendance are former career professionals having experience in very different business endeavors. Grocery store manager, stock broker, corporate problem solver, military officer, and the "preacher." When we gather, we discuss all sorts of topics, and occasionally (almost weekly) we come up with a great solution that would solve one of the problems of the world. The only problem with this is that nobody want to, or will, listen to us.
One particular matter we are all frustrated about is the ever increasing number of people, from all walks of life, who refuse to make any effort to get along with others, especially those who think or believe differently than they do. We've each seen more and more people choosing to make fools of themselves in public places, more so than any of us are accustomed to. We lament the decline of people having the desire to get along, what one of us called "community spirit." One thing for certain, we are all just dog tired of it all.
We've all pledged to each other to try and help one another grow in our faith, in our level of patience with others, and in choosing to be kind as often as possible. I'm not sure who taught me the phrase, "When in doubt, choose to be kind," but I offer my heart felt thanks to whoever it was. This rule-of-life has been a blessing to me, and to others, in more situations than I can remember.
I recall an old line, I think it was from a song, that if there is going to be any change in the world, then it has to first begin with me individually. I think the quote is, "If it's going to be, let it begin with me!" To quote from a John Lennon song, we can't "give peace a chance" if we only expect others to be peaceful, but not ourselves. I can't change the world, but I can change myself. I can also control my response to others as well, and in so doing, avoid reacting emotionally, but responding out of my faith and core values.
I'm a big guy (6'5" and 280), but I try to be the most cheerful person that I can be everywhere I go! My face sometimes aches in the process, because smiling uses more muscles than frowning. The old adage is that you can't smile unless you want to. It's true! Frowning is our "default." Give you face muscles a work out by smiling!
Perhaps kindness towards others begins with a smile!
So, I'm not going to join in with the frowning crowd. I'm going to be part of the smiling crowd.
If it's going to be, let it begin with me! That's how I can make a difference.
Rick ><>
