The presidential election has been decided, and Donald Trump has been declared the winner. I never thought I would be typing those words, but there they are. In actual letters. On my actual computer screen. (A friend of mine summed up the situation best when he quoted the immortal words of Clark Griswold: "If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn't be more surprised than I am right now.")
But if this election has taught me anything, it's this: Words have power. For good or evil, they have power. Which means that I have power. And I'm going to use it for good.
As Thomas S. Monson said, "Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out."
We need to choose kindness over judgment. Compassion over indifference. Love over anger and understanding over hate. We need to recognize that none of us can truly know what's in another's heart, and that we should not speak of their decisions as though we do.
We need to make America kind again.
Want to join me? Here's the challenge:As Thomas S. Monson said, "Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out."
We need to choose kindness over judgment. Compassion over indifference. Love over anger and understanding over hate. We need to recognize that none of us can truly know what's in another's heart, and that we should not speak of their decisions as though we do.
We need to make America kind again.
For the next two weeks until Thanksgiving, act on the good. When you have a kind thought about someone, say something to them. When a friend needs help, do something for them. When a stranger needs their grocery cart taken back to the stall, take it back for them. Make a phone call, write a thank you note, and let someone merge in front of you. In the words of Camilla Kimball, "Never suppress a generous thought."
On the flip side, if you have an uncharitable or unkind thought about someone -- whether it's their political views, their life choices, or their personality quirks that are using your nerves as a banjo -- keep it to yourself. Don't add to the pile when others are throwing stones; only add to the good.
As Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit." If we want healing, this is where we will find it.
As Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, "As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit." If we want healing, this is where we will find it.
Two weeks of kindness.
Who's in?
