Sunday, August 5, 2012

The Kindness Chronicles

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.
Saint Basil


It's been another crazy month. My extended family is scattered all over the country (WA, ID, MT, IL, KS, PA, NC) and we only get together all in one place once every four years. This time it was at the beach in NC but first many of them came to my house. 

It was amazing to all be together at the same time - the see little cousins meet each other for the first time.

These are the two amazing people who raised us.
They taught us that we are here to make the world a better place, to love and to serve.

We are still a little wacko - but these are some of the best people I know!

 Watching my siblings teach their children the same ideals of love and service is a joy.

There were so many acts of kindness. People volunteering to help with dishes, volunteering to watch little ones so parents could frolic in the waves unencumbered. Spouses putting kids to bed so grown siblings could spend more time together. There was much patience and kindness shown.

It often seems that the people we live with are the ones it is hardest to be kind to. I'm challenging myself along with all of you - let's find ways to be kind to those we love.