Nutshell – Try a Little Kindness
Glen Campbell was a multi-media mega star in the 1960s and 1970s with a wildly popular variety show on television, and a seemingly non-stop string of hit songs as a recording star.
His songs, which dominated both the country and pop music charts, included “Galveston,” “Wichita Lineman,” Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Southern Nights,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “Gentle on My Mind,” and a host of others, but it was one of his lesser-known compositions that carried perhaps his greatest message.
In 1970, Campbell recorded “Try a Little Kindness.” It turned out to be a minor hit, but its lyrics are timeless, and especially meaningful in today/s world, particularly the following…
You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you’ll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets
Don’t walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way
How appropriate that we reflect on these words a half-century later with both regret and hopefulness. Regret in that we are in the same position we were 50 years ago when it comes to the ways we treat one another, which often range from indifferent to deplorable. Hope in that there is still time to reflect on, embrace, and implement this message of kindness into our daily routine.
What if we all led our interactions with others by showing just a little kindness? What if we all let our light shine for everyone to see? After all, as disciples of Christ, we are well aware of the light we carry and the importance of letting it shine for everyone to see. By doing so, we will overlook the blindness of others (and our own), especially the narrow-minded (which sometimes includes us), and show them the light so that we can see clearly.
In Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew we are reminded that “we are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
When we show a little kindness and lend a helping hand, we light the path and soften the heart of others. So, as we head into autumn, I would encourage you to join with me in my efforts to “show kindness every day,” and “help someone along the way.”
Who knows, their hearts might be touched, and they just might return the favor.
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John