Six Dream Weavers: A time to be thankful… and KIND

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

A time to be thankful… and KIND

Here we are over halfway through November. Reflecting on the upcoming holiday and all we are thankful for. I am so thankful for my amazing family. And my new job. I’ve been here a month now. Challenging in s an understatement, but so is rewarding! When you are learning something new, with others who are learning something new, every victory – however small – is celebrated! And we celebrate with memes, gifs, and laughs. We have had WEEKS of 2 steps forward followed by one step back, then one step forward and TWO steps back, but we are learning every day! Add to that, we are all getting to know each other -professionally and personally. What a way to be stretched! While I am physically and mentally exhausted, I am energized by the newness of it all. And oh so grateful for the opportunity.

In reflecting on all the changes I have endured the last few weeks, I keep coming back to the word KIND. I see it everywhere these days. T-shirts, mugs, stickers… People say it, and probably mean it, but then I see things that honestly aren’t very kind from some of those same people. And believe me, I fall into that category more than I wish I did. So, what is it to be kind? And not just kind when it is convenient. Or it fits your platform. Or when being kind gets the results you want. What does it mean to BE KIND and to ACT WITH KINDNESS all the time?

Here is what I think it looks like, to me anyway: Grace. God’s grace. God’s grace flows from the essence of his being: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). Read that again. Merciful. Gracious. Slow to anger. Love.

So, in everyday situations, it means no judgment. It means your story has WORTH and it is HONORABLE – and so is mine. Your choices, while they still have consequences, are to be met with love and mercy. And so are mine. You are WORTHY, Loved, cherished. AND SO AM I. Kindness is a two-way street, with no end. If you want kindness in return, be kind. If you show kindness and it is not returned, BE KIND. You can only control your own actions. So just BE KIND. No matter the intent, no matter the IMPACT (which can be in conflict), show God’s love, grace, and mercy. Love conquers all.

And a quick Weaver Family update: We are looking forward to Thanksgiving week! A few days off our routine, good food, and family. Emma is going to Louisiana with her paternal grandmother and her boyfriend to see some extended family. Lara must move out of her sorority house, so she is bunking at Nana’s for the week. Jake and Finn are glad to be out of school, but Jake is going to fill some of his time off by working out with the Varsity and JV Pioneer basketball teams since his 9^th grade team is off the whole week. I know the girls are both looking forward to their Fall semesters ending! Lara ends the term as a junior and is already enrolled for the Spring. Emma’s courses roll forward and she will have a few schedule changes as well. We are excited for Freshman basketball – the first game is December 6!