“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ― Dalai Lama XIV
I woke up this morning thinking about the Easter celebrations of my youth. The lamb shaped cake with coconut fur, the chocolate bunnies, colored eggs, and new outfits to wear to church – all magically appeared.
Did I even thank my mother then for all she did and all she gave? The mother of five children, I think her extra efforts went unnoticed – or even worse maybe they were expected.
In my youth I always wanted more of my mother’s love. I didn’t see it in cakes, eggs, new outfits and chocolate. I wanted it in hugs, endearments and attention. But that wasn’t my mother’s way. And even if it was she didn’t have the time – or energy to give anything more.
When I was grown and my mother was old I thanked her often for all she did for us. We all want to know what we do makes a difference, but sometimes we don’t find out about how an action touched someone until forty years later, or maybe never at all.
We just have to have faith and keep doing nice things for people. Every kind act, no matter how small, is worth doing. A call to a lonely friend, a compliment to a loved one, a hand held in silence.
This time of year is all about renewal and rebirth. Call someone. Compliment someone. Hold someone’s hand. Find love in everything that’s given to you. Thank people for all they do. Especially your mother…
