Today was a drizzly day, and while the little one napped, I decided to reward my son by letting him watch a Star Wars movie. He had been exceptionally kind to his sister, who is battling an ear infection. While I was folding laundry, I casually remarked, “Man, that Darth Vader sends chills down my spine.” My son’s bright blue eyes widened, and he responded with surprise: “Mom, there’s good in Darth Vader. He’s on the dark side, but he’s not entirely bad.” This sparked a deep conversation about the nature of good and evil, and how there’s a spark of goodness in everyone if we just look closely enough.
Over the past week, I’ve felt like I was surrounded by examples of unkindness. I encountered a nurse who was abrupt with me over the phone regarding a prescription. A driver honked and yelled at us when I paused at a green light, lost in thought. Another person threw his hands up in frustration while my son and I crossed the street—though we had the walk signal, he didn’t notice the flashing sign. Little ears were nearby, soaking up these moments of ungraciousness. After my polite conversation with the nurse, I turned to my husband and said, “What was up with her? She was so rude.” My thoughtful son chimed in, “Mom, everyone has tough days. Just be nice to her, and maybe she’ll respond with kindness.”
Each day, this child imparts wisdom that reminds me to treat others with compassion, even when it’s challenging. He gently reminded me that I, too, have had moments of unkindness. I’ve reacted with impatience when someone has made a mistake on the road. I’ve spoken out of frustration. Perhaps the nurse was simply overwhelmed with calls, or maybe she needed a quick break. The driver honking at me was probably running late to pick up her child after a long day. The man who gestured at us might have been dealing with a loss of his own. While I may never know their stories, it’s clear they weren’t at their best. Yet, how often have I found myself in similar situations? We all act in haste and say things we regret. If we’re fortunate, we’re met with compassion rather than annoyance for our missteps.
Today, my son inspired me to be more considerate toward those I meet. I’m determined to make a greater effort this week. I’ll strive to greet a frown with a smile. Just like he pointed out, even Darth Vader has a glimmer of good within him, and perhaps he just needs a touch of understanding. For further insights on the importance of kindness, you might enjoy this article about effective communication in relationships—check it out at this link.
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In summary, my son has shown me the power of kindness and understanding in everyday interactions. Even when faced with unkindness, we can choose to respond with compassion, helping create a more empathetic world.