Kindness & Karma
Kindness & Karma is a special reader space. This is one of the pages where readers can send their personal stories, unique experiences and photos. Each month the editors solicit responses from our readers to questions that embrace unexpected inspiration. Please send along your name (last name is optional) and state or country. (Editors reserve the right to edit for content and word count.)
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December '20: |
We picked the best of the best!
You sent us your advice, tips, and inspirational stories for our interactive Kindness & Karma section since 2016!
The Sanctuary Team looked back at the best and picked their favorites.
The Sanctuary Team looked back at the best and picked their favorites.
Team Picks...
FATHER’S DAY MEMOIR (June 2016)
Tell us something special you remember about your dad…
“My dad passed away on Father's Day. I learned a life lesson from him on my 9th birthday. There was a girl in my class who lived in a very small, unkempt home. She was not very popular. I used to pretend to be her friend when it was convenient. I invited everyone to my party that year - except her. However, she bought me a gift anyway. My father told me that if I treat people so poorly because they have less than me, then I deserve nothing. He made me go to her house to invite her over. Funny…out of all the gifts I received that birthday, I remember two: the kitty cat puzzle wrapped in newspaper that she gave me and my dad’s gift of amazing insight on how to treat and perceive others.” ~ Christine (NY)
TIME TRAVEL (NOVEMBER 2016)
What piece of sage advice would you tell your "twenty-something" self if you could go back in time?
"Success comes before work only in the dictionary. Give 100% of yourself 100% of the time, but don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Life is short, so be your best you." ~ Mary Lou (VT)
MY MILESTONE MEMORY (June 2017)
What milestone in your life will you never forget...and why?
Regarding my daughter's Confirmation 6 years ago: Well today was one of those milestones that many Lutheran (and Christian) parents share with their children - the Rite of Confirmation. For most parents it's a celebration and a joy that their son or daughter is done with classes, and they no longer have to get them there...not just driving them there...it's the whole routine of going through the endless battles of hearing "Why do I have to go," etc. I didn't have to endure that with Serena (I have 3 others that I do).
For me, it was simply a joy...one so profound...to see her sitting in her wheelchair with the other Confirmands and without me right next to her. She was such a young 17-year-old lady, her head mid-line and not tilted to the left, alert and very aware of every aspect of the service and responsive in her way to answering the questions asked of her! And, as usual, when she received Communion, she was in the moment! I was SO concerned about all the things that I get concerned about with Serena during a special event as this - will she fall asleep, will she be vocal throughout the entire service, will she need to be suctioned frequently, will she wet through her clothes, will she get upset or startled, will she be responsive? Ha...I shouldn't have been concerned (and I did ease up as the service went on). I feel such a sense of pride and joy that I can't even find words to describe it.
Fast forward to 2017...my Angel Child loves going to church. Yesterday she was "Alaaaaing" in the elevator singing along with the congregation to the Hymn "Holy Holy Holy"! Her head was mid-line and she was focused on Pastor Jim's sermon (whose voice she knows). Later on during the bell choir concert...she was engaged.
Science can't explain how this child with diffused extensive brain damage can be in sync with the world...but then again...some things can't be explained by science. Thank you, God, for my Angel Child. ~ Renee (NY)
Tell us something special you remember about your dad…
“My dad passed away on Father's Day. I learned a life lesson from him on my 9th birthday. There was a girl in my class who lived in a very small, unkempt home. She was not very popular. I used to pretend to be her friend when it was convenient. I invited everyone to my party that year - except her. However, she bought me a gift anyway. My father told me that if I treat people so poorly because they have less than me, then I deserve nothing. He made me go to her house to invite her over. Funny…out of all the gifts I received that birthday, I remember two: the kitty cat puzzle wrapped in newspaper that she gave me and my dad’s gift of amazing insight on how to treat and perceive others.” ~ Christine (NY)
TIME TRAVEL (NOVEMBER 2016)
What piece of sage advice would you tell your "twenty-something" self if you could go back in time?
"Success comes before work only in the dictionary. Give 100% of yourself 100% of the time, but don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Life is short, so be your best you." ~ Mary Lou (VT)
MY MILESTONE MEMORY (June 2017)
What milestone in your life will you never forget...and why?
Regarding my daughter's Confirmation 6 years ago: Well today was one of those milestones that many Lutheran (and Christian) parents share with their children - the Rite of Confirmation. For most parents it's a celebration and a joy that their son or daughter is done with classes, and they no longer have to get them there...not just driving them there...it's the whole routine of going through the endless battles of hearing "Why do I have to go," etc. I didn't have to endure that with Serena (I have 3 others that I do).
For me, it was simply a joy...one so profound...to see her sitting in her wheelchair with the other Confirmands and without me right next to her. She was such a young 17-year-old lady, her head mid-line and not tilted to the left, alert and very aware of every aspect of the service and responsive in her way to answering the questions asked of her! And, as usual, when she received Communion, she was in the moment! I was SO concerned about all the things that I get concerned about with Serena during a special event as this - will she fall asleep, will she be vocal throughout the entire service, will she need to be suctioned frequently, will she wet through her clothes, will she get upset or startled, will she be responsive? Ha...I shouldn't have been concerned (and I did ease up as the service went on). I feel such a sense of pride and joy that I can't even find words to describe it.
Fast forward to 2017...my Angel Child loves going to church. Yesterday she was "Alaaaaing" in the elevator singing along with the congregation to the Hymn "Holy Holy Holy"! Her head was mid-line and she was focused on Pastor Jim's sermon (whose voice she knows). Later on during the bell choir concert...she was engaged.
Science can't explain how this child with diffused extensive brain damage can be in sync with the world...but then again...some things can't be explained by science. Thank you, God, for my Angel Child. ~ Renee (NY)
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MY INSPIRATIONAL VACATION (July 2017)
Tell us about a vacation that you found truly inspirational. "Two places in the world provide a soul-nourishing reboot for me. ANYWHERE in Italy: The moment I land in any airport in any region of Italy, I am home. The first thing I want to do before even leaving the airport is to have a perfect espresso. On one trip that I made alone to study at a language school, the taxi driver started my lezioni (lessons) on the ride from the airport to the hotel. Through my then intermediate Italian, I told him that I loved porchetta alla Romano (Roman Style stuffed, slow-roasted pork loin). He immediately veered off of our route to the best little "porcheterria" - this tiny “joint” served only thinly sliced porchetta. As he pulled to the curb, he said, “Aspetta (wait!), ran in the bottega, and came out with one for me to enjoy on the way to the hotel. One finds this generosity throughout every region of Italy. South Africa: For eating deliciously healthy, I love South Africa – great seafood, farm-fresh meats on the braai, biltong (all-natural beef or kudu jerky) as snacks, and tons of fruits and vegetables. My life partner and I are also with family enjoying special relationships in a relaxed state of mind. The micro-climates and beautiful beaches are the proverbial cherries on the sundae. My soul opens up with a relaxed mind and a little perspective." ~ Laura (NY) |
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BELIEVE IN YOURSELF (August 2017) – Focus on Youth Issue
How do you find ways to encourage yourself to be the best you?
"The ways I encourage myself to be the best version of me is to be proud of my accomplishments. Whether it's a large or small accomplishment, you need to believe in yourself and feel satisfied with the outcome. In the end, you should be your biggest fan. It also helps to reach out to those who encourage you and to spend time around people who make you feel good. Loved ones and friends can help make any bad moment seem less disastrous. It is also important to be healthy. Your health has a lot to do with your spirits. Most importantly, never give up on yourself! Then, you will be able to accomplish whatever you set your mind and heart to." ~ Maria
How do you find ways to encourage yourself to be the best you?
"The ways I encourage myself to be the best version of me is to be proud of my accomplishments. Whether it's a large or small accomplishment, you need to believe in yourself and feel satisfied with the outcome. In the end, you should be your biggest fan. It also helps to reach out to those who encourage you and to spend time around people who make you feel good. Loved ones and friends can help make any bad moment seem less disastrous. It is also important to be healthy. Your health has a lot to do with your spirits. Most importantly, never give up on yourself! Then, you will be able to accomplish whatever you set your mind and heart to." ~ Maria
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FAVORITE WORK OF ART (February 2019)
Tell us what your favorite piece of fine art is and why. "This is one of my favorite oil paintings that Tarryl Gabel (of Tarryl Fine Art) has painted. Just look at those colors!" ~ Kim (NY) |
© Tarryl Gabel
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GRANDMA’S WISDOM (November 2019)
Tell us something your grandma taught you...something that has deeply resonated with you - something that you have passed on to others.
"Don't hold a grudge. Life is too short!" ~ Beth (VA)
MY 9 to 5 POSITIVE VIBE (March 2020)
What is it about your career that sparks your energy, gives you feel-good vibes or makes you want to break out into your happy dance?
"Giving ourselves grace to know there is no “right” or “wrong” - we are figuring it all out. One day at a time - no judgement." ~ Michelle (NY)
Tell us something your grandma taught you...something that has deeply resonated with you - something that you have passed on to others.
"Don't hold a grudge. Life is too short!" ~ Beth (VA)
MY 9 to 5 POSITIVE VIBE (March 2020)
What is it about your career that sparks your energy, gives you feel-good vibes or makes you want to break out into your happy dance?
"Giving ourselves grace to know there is no “right” or “wrong” - we are figuring it all out. One day at a time - no judgement." ~ Michelle (NY)
