Kindness

BVN Article

Sunday 01 July

Pete and I have been in the village for nearly 8 weeks and lots of people have asked us if we like living here in Braunston. We love it! We have been so blessed by the kindness that so many of you have shown us. I get the impression that many of you have experienced the kindness of those around you.

We are told that we live in a ‘dog eat dog’ world where it’s all about ‘survival of the fittest’. According to psychologist, Dr Richard Wiseman, the overall pace of life has increased by 10% worldwide since the mid-90s. Technological advances, as wonderful as they are especially when it means we can see and speak to our granddaughter on FaceTime, these advances can possibly explain our collective sense of urgency. The present ‘now’ has become the new yesterday! As a result, we are often left stressed and overwhelmed.

I wonder if it has resulted in some people not having the time or head space to spare for acts of kindness. It can be tough when you are on survival mode just to get through the week.

It appears to be an issue for many as there are websites galore that show you various ways you can practice kindness and develop a kinder approach to life. Research shows that being kind to others makes you happier and it is guaranteed to make people smile. Did you know that smiling boosts your health? It lowers your heart rate, reduces stress and boosts your immune system.

Kindness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in the book of Galatians (5:22) in the New Testament of Bible. God knows that this fruit takes time to germinate, grow and produce something good. Just like all the produce we are patiently trying to grow in our greenhouse. Our little seeds need care, attention and encouragement to grow. But God knows that when this little fruit of kindness grows it makes a difference in our lives and those around us.

Bishop Michael Curry gave his sermon at the royal wedding a few weeks ago. You may remember him talking about the power of love. He said that love has the power to liberate where nothing else will and has the power to change the world.

When love is the way we treat each other well. Being kind, making others smile are ways we show love for one another.

Thank you for those who have welcomed me and made me smile. I hope and pray Braunston will continue as a place of kindness, where you will be able to give away a smile. You never know you could start a revolution - you could change the world!

Rev Nat

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