Choose Kindness, Always

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much the world needs more kindness and understanding. The truth is, we never really know what someone else is going through. Behind every face, there could be a story of struggle, heartbreak, or quiet endurance.

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always hit the mark myself. There have been moments where I’ve missed the chance to show kindness, moments I’m not proud of. To anyone I’ve ever hurt, I sincerely apologize. Those missteps remind me that kindness isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we choose daily.

The beautiful part is that kindness doesn’t have to be big or dramatic. A smile can go a long way. A wave can break down barriers. A kind word can melt even the heaviest heart.

Especially in weeks like this, filled with chaos, loss, and division, I hope we can all look back at the end of each day and feel proud of how we conducted ourselves. Did we spread a little goodness? Did we help carry someone else’s burden, even in the smallest way?

The words of a favorite song remind me what I want to strive for each day:

I’m trying to be like Jesus;

I’m following in his ways.

I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.

At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,

But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

“Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

For these are the things Jesus taught.”

I’m trying to love my neighbor;

I’m learning to serve my friends.

I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.

I try to remember the lessons he taught.

Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:

“Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

For these are the things Jesus taught.”

Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938

© 1980 by Janice Kapp Perry.

If each of us could live those words, even imperfectly, the world would be a softer, brighter place. That’s what I hope to do each day with Suzie Sews Sunshine—sowing sunshine wherever I can. Every stitch, every class, every shared story is a reminder that kindness is something we can make with our hands and multiply with our hearts. Together, we can spread light, one small act of love at a time.