Carol: very good and appreciated tips. I trust our readers will employ a varied mix. Yes, “Joy” through forgiveness, mercy and thoughtfulness.
Karyn: My granddaughter, Presley, age 10 recently shared with me about one of her best friends. She shared that her friend had formerly been a member of a bully gang at her elementary school.
When the girl decided that she did not want to “go down that path anymore,” Presley had chosen to become the girl’s best friend. Soon, the other members of the bully gang began to bully Presley’s new best friend. The girl had to leave that school as her life was made painful and uncomfortable by those who had once been her sad associates.
In her wisdom, Presley shared with me, “Grandma, I think that bullies become bullies because they are afraid that no one will like them. So, they start being mean to everyone else just to prove something to themselves.” Presley has an unusual gift of being merciful. I have witnessed her on many occasions showing kindness and tender mercies to those who are less fortunate.
Oh, if only we could train our hearts to do the same. Recently, when someone had hurt her feelings, Presley confided, “I still feel angry about what they did to me, but I feel sorrier for the way that person must be hurting.”
Carol: your granddaughter sounds very grown up for her age. Many “children” are amazingly insightful and wise for their age .
Karyn: What a beautiful heart and way this sweet girl expresses and sums up for me, the gift of mercy. It does not mean that extending a tender mercy is always convenient, fun or pleasant. It does not mean that you are beyond feeling the sorrow, hurt or anger that someone else may have caused you unknowingly. But, to be the giver of a tender mercy requires a compassionate, benevolent and empathetic heart. It is to get beyond what is hurting you and put yourself in the other person’s place.
Perhaps, this is why Jesus said, “Except ye become as a little child, ye shall in no way enter the kingdom of heaven.” Presley is a constant example of showing mercy to others.
If only we could all put ourselves in the place of that hurting person who has treated us unjustly or ridiculed us unfairly. If only we could become even as a loving little child who can forgive easily and move along our journey with joy!
Carol: beautiful. I really have enjoyed our conversation today. It’s been one of my favorites.
If I may Karyn, on a side note, like to congratulate you on your new new “Cherishing Heart App” that is now on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. How wonderful for you!
If you’d like to reach Karyn about her music, her work, Joy Coaching America, about becoming a Joy Coach and more:
www.joycoachingamerica.com
karyn@joycoachingamerica.com
