Kindness according to the dictionary is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. But many of us would find it easier to describe how we feel when we have been shown kindness. I see a good many visitors as they stop at my flower shop for directions, suggestions on where to get a good meal and yes sometimes to buy a flower for a friend or relative they have come to visit.
I’ve gotten great at drawing little maps for these visitors and I hear the same comments over and over again. They love our community, the people, and the ambience. They feel as if they’ve stumbled upon Mayberry RFD.
Well here in Mayberry I know we are all busier than we once were and probably more stressed than we should be but comparatively we are nowhere close to the big city mentality. And with any luck we will always lag behind in that regard. But lagging behind is not the same as preserving our humanitarianism. Gone are the days when we knew our police officers, bankers and business owners by name and exchanged smiles or waves daily.
Recently I was interviewed as part of a master’s degree assignment. I was asked what qualities I thought were necessary for a community leadership role. Before I answered I clarified that, although I do not exhibit these qualities I have seen what it takes to be effective in roles of authority. These qualities included sincerity, friendliness, humility, morality, attentiveness, patience, tolerance, compassion, understanding, tact, benevolence, approachability, helpfulness…in short, kindness.
Kindness is an act of the will. It’s like a muscle that needs to be strengthened. Although some may be naturals, the rest of us must exercise our will to grow stronger in kindness. Kindness is an expression of love for one another. Kindness is looking for the good in others without judgement. Kindness isn’t always the act of physically giving; sometimes it might just be a word of encouragement or a smile.
But be forewarned that kindness is not always appreciated. There will be times when we attempt to do something out of the kindness of our hearts but it’s either misunderstood or unwanted. Do not become discourage if this happens instead look at it as a “bonus round” exercise in kindness. Kindness costs nothing but its value is priceless for one word of kindness can change someone’s entire course.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
This Sunday is “Breakfast with the Tigers” at the football field from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. You can also purchase a chance for the annual football drop while you’re there.
Next Saturday, September 9th the 2nd Annual Darke County Aviation Day will be held from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This is a free event with experimental and ultralight aircrafts on display, free EAA Young Eagle Flights for those aged 8-17, and educational talks from private pilots and airport managers. There will be lunch trucks available so you can enjoy the day without hunger pangs.
BBQ Chicken Dinners to benefit St. Peter Neuro Center are being sold now for pick up on Sunday, September 10th. For tickets or information contact Dave Bohman at 937-623-1498 or Brad Winner at 419-305-0050.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 12th Worch Library hosts a knitting circle at 6 p.m. This is a monthly event for those interested to learn to knit, get helpful tips or flock together with birds of a feather. And on Wednesday, September 13 Worch Library will show the MGM movie “The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima” at 2 p.m. I personally love this movie for its entertainment and educational value.
Happy 104th birthday to sisters Mildred Dill and Lucille Thomas!! Also birthday wishes to Josie Phlipot (3), Courtney Moody, Mary Jo Nixon, Sarah Rhoades, Cathy Huber, Heidi DeMange, Ken Wagner, Emmie Smith, Barbara Monnin, Rylee Johnson, Kyzer Johns, Amber Broerman, Jeanne Johnson, Joan Marshal, Carmen Snyder, Jim Kelch, Karen Friar, Jennifer Mertz, Richard Frantz, Ed Subler, Randy Bashore, Lisa Heaton, Anne Mangen, Paula Darnell, Steve Borchers, Emily Mumaw, Shelly Grogean, Jessie Zumberger, Miriam Poling, Doug Koverman, Jenny Condon, Joann Wilker, Kari Didier, Tyler Clack and Mary Ann Winner as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Leslie and Kevin Phlipot (5), Jamie and Chad Koesters (10), Kelly and Frank Evers (15), Joyce and Jeff Rider (20), Tricia and Andy Ingle (25), Jeffie and Scott Voisard, Melanie and John Rimmer (32), Carla and Gary Hummel (35), Sue and Pastor Dennis Mohler (39), Karen and Jeff Keiser (41), Karen and Gary Dues (42), Susan and Phil McEldowney (42), Mary Jo and Jerald Hecht (43), Carmen and Charles Kingrey (47), Sherry and Richard Francis (53), Ethel and Carl McEldowney (?), Irma and Urban Arling (62), Joanne and Joe Marshal (63), and Aunt Martha and Uncle John Magoto (63). Best wishes to Lisa Barga and Logan Hinkle who marry this weekend and many thanks to Pastor David Wilson, Della Burch, Bob Epperly and the Versailles Rotary Club.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Aiden Meyer, Sylvester Meyer, Terry Buteau, Earl Gigandet, Janie Huber, Madison Berger, Tony Gehret, Terry and Donna Black, Norbert “John” Magoto, Phyllis Oliver, Lucy Hole, Susie Barga, Bob Longenecker, Arlene Pohl, Mary Phlipot, Jerry Paulus, Tim Bayless, Pooch Barga, Anthony “Bucky” Francis, Mildred Levering, Chris Apple, Wilma Heiby, Carl DeMange, Rosie Cordonnier, Rhomaine Berger, Irene Gehret, Judy York, Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Denny Grilliot, Beverly Brown, Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, the people in and around Houston, Texas, and all those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Lester Kemper (89), C. Pauline Gregg (90) and also remembering within our hearts the lives of Kimberly Gump, Rickie Dynes, Paul Daniel, Elmer Rethman, Rick Haft, Patrick Davidson, Dan Sheets, Phyllis Pitsenbarger, Jerry McConaha, Zoe Ann Stephan, Jim Pequignot, Carl Voisard, Roy Minnich, JoAnn Davis, Tess Subler, Gale Blakeley, Anna Subler, Leo Prenger, Karl Brumbaugh, and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing nears.
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ~Mark Twain
“Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.” ~Confuscious
“The highest form of wisdom is kindness.” ~Unknown
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