No, I didn't have a robbery. I stole this from Liz's Facebook page.
St. Philo of Alexandria said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle."
Would love to have you discuss, and, as you deem appropriate, share, if you so desire.
Mine shall be summed up in one word.
TEENAGERS.
I don't normally comment on your blog, but this statement is so true to my life and has been for about 9 or 10 years. My eyes were really opened when I had my second child and she was diagnosed with intractible epilepsy and I had to put her on medication. The side effects from the medication, no one knew/knows how I struggled with putting her on medication (something I think you have discussed before and I could totally relate to). My oldest is 18 and I can relate to teenagers...Walk a mile in someone's shoes before you pass judegment. I certainly am more compassionate and empathetic today than I was before my second child was born.
Posted by: Melissa | January 17, 2011 at 08:59 PM
I think the older I get, the more I realize this is true. There are so many people--everybody, really--just bravely carrying on. There are worries about money, and health, and loved ones, and loneliness. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who wasn't burdened with something pressing.
I'm always moved when I read a postcard on PostSecret that references someone making a kind, offhand remark, that made the postcard-writer reconsider their planned suicide. What if I had the opportunity to extend a kindness to someone who desperately needed it, and failed to?
Posted by: Becki | January 17, 2011 at 09:23 PM
On the wall above one of the doorways, in large red letters, is this quote "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." (Dalai Lama) It's a principle I want to live, and also want my children to live.
Posted by: Melanie | January 17, 2011 at 09:55 PM
Sinus headache. (Can I go to bed now?)
Posted by: Headless Mom | January 17, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Awww, feel better HM :(
When I DO remember that, it seems to make little irritations disappear. Great reminder Carmen- too easily forgotten in the hustle & bustle of busy lives...
Posted by: KG | January 17, 2011 at 11:11 PM
Patience!
I've been snappy with my husband and kids lately because I feel like they should just know better about everything. They should just know things - I shouldn't have to repeat myself!
And, of course, patience with our adoption. We have these pictures of these little boys that will hopefully be our sons and they are living their lives across the world from us, completely unaware that we're aching for them. I hate being patient and waiting for that next step to bring them home.
Posted by: Kait | January 18, 2011 at 01:08 AM
I saw that on Liz's page, too. She and I went to summer camp together YEARS ago and have reconnected on Facebook, and I saw you on her page a while back. Liz is awesome. And so are you!
Posted by: Carolyn | January 18, 2011 at 01:31 AM
A daughter who is at her first semester of college living on campus who is suffering from mild depression and homesickness. Part of me wants to drive up and bring her home but I know she has to tough it out
kelly
Posted by: kelly | January 18, 2011 at 07:59 AM
Just life drama - never enough money or time. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Glenda | January 18, 2011 at 09:41 AM
Maybe it's just spiritual maturity, or just plain maturity, but I'm reminded of this truth every day: everybody carries a cross. Your children will carry a cross, your parents had their crosses. It's just life. It does make you more empathetic and less judgmental when you ponder this truth.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 18, 2011 at 09:58 AM
It's a very often quoted quote in Orthodoxy, for good reason.
I was just thinking to myself yesterday that it is amazing that any of us make it past 14. Thank you for reminding me to apply this even when my kids are being most unlovable.
Posted by: Mimi | January 18, 2011 at 02:32 PM
So true Carmen. At the moment I am trying very hard to not let the darkness creep in on me. Some days its easier than others. I am an amazing actress though.
Posted by: J from Ireland | January 18, 2011 at 05:12 PM
I don't comment often either but this is so true. It makes me want to cry. I'm so sad and I don't know what to do. I'm already on Prozac. But it doesn't seem to be combating this dark, dreary, cold winter. Every day I just struggle to accomplish what I need to. My husband works out of state and we don't see him often. And he was here for 3 weeks for Christmas - so it will be awhile. And I just miss him. And I have 3 teenagers and it's just so hard.
Posted by: Liz | January 18, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Gastroparesis. Blah.
Posted by: Katherine | January 18, 2011 at 07:55 PM
My Mom has stage 3 cancer (but she's beating it!), my husband barely helps me EVER, my sister has crazy, idiot issues, financial stresses and trying to remind myself that I DO have the talent to build my photography business. I just can't be scared. But, in light of all of that, I have 3 of the most beautiful, loving, kind children....even if they do sometimes drive me nuts.
Posted by: Jenn W | January 18, 2011 at 07:55 PM
Great reminder Carmen! There is always the possibility for kindness. Always!
Posted by: addy | January 18, 2011 at 08:50 PM
happy Breeds Happy, Smiles breed smiles, kindness Breeds Kindness.
Golden Rule!!!
Posted by: kyooty | January 19, 2011 at 01:58 PM
I shall also "steal" by using your word: TEENAGERS... they need to be kind to ME, doggone-it!
Posted by: Yum Yucky | January 19, 2011 at 03:08 PM
this is true....
(mine is not something i discuss, but it's there)
Posted by: HolyMama! | January 19, 2011 at 09:31 PM