Being kind is more important
Than getting things right,
Than snagging the window seat on a long plane flight.
Than getting that prime, much desired parking space
Another driver took right in front of your face.
Than getting the biggest piece of strawberry cake
Your cousin grabbed first at the picnic by the lake.
Being kind is more important
Than getting to have the last word
In the argument that half the neighborhood heard.
Than getting to correct another person’s grammar
With the grace and subtlety of a noisy sledgehammer.
Than getting to tell “that stupid driver” off
When he navigates a rude and intentional cutoff.
Being kind is more important
Than getting the big prize,
Or having a nicer house than the other guys.
Than getting the acclaim of being the best,
In a world where you think everything’s a contest.
Than getting your mate to say, “You’re right. I was wrong.”
So he can seem weak, and you can feel strong.
Being kind is more important
Than getting praise for your knowledge
From someone who missed out on going to college.
Than getting the promotion or winning the game
So some other person can experience some shame.
Than getting to be the standout queen or king.
Being kind is more important than getting anything.
The Happy Geranium 
This kindness message, in a clever poetic format, is a much needed message today for everyone! Kindness is one of the fruits of the Spirit that Jesus displayed for all of us. Thank you, Debbie!
Becky, your routine reading of my posts and commenting are so encouraging! Thank you, my good friend!
AMEN!!!!!!
Thanks, Shirley! (I’m preaching to myself.)
This is so eloquently stated. It seems we seem to thrust ourselves into unwarranted competition. Being kind really is easy.
Thanks, Maggie. I’m reminded of that saying: Even if you win the rat race, you’re still a rat!
Trying hard not to be a rat in central Indiana. 🙂
I try, too, Debbie.some days are more challenging than others.
Particularly love this in today’s anger-filled time. What a better world we’d be in if we all practiced more random acts of kindness.
Yes, indeed! Thank you for your “random act of kindness” in replying to my blog post. 🙂
I so loved the rhyme, rhythm, and righteousness of what you wrote. You truly are a gifted writer who has a message that needs to be shared.
Joyce, thank you for your kind words. You are a model of the poem’s theme! So glad you’re in my life!
I don’t understand why people find it hard to be kind. I think you are a happier person when you are kind. Mean and nasty people seem so miserable and unhappy. You can choose to be kind no matter what your circumstances are.
Pam, we’re still spring chickens, but we must admit we grew up in the good old days. You’re right: Mean people live miserable lives. Have you read “A Man Called Ove?” It’s wonderful and proves this point!
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It shouldn’t be hard to be kind these days but I couldn’t tell
I sent this to my 17 y/o son who is kind and tender-hearted but lives in a world of seemingly judgmental sarcasm that I do not understand anymore. I want him to read something genuinely good 😊
Thank you Debbie
Jennifer, Lane is at a sarcastic age. His kindness and tender-heartedness will win out because they are much deeper in his soul. Keep putting encouraging, beautiful words in front of him. Besides, his mother is a walking example of kindness. I know her well. 😘
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