Tapping into Kindness

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke pauses during chaotic times to recall moments of kindness and how love conquers all.

I tend to lose sight of my holy foundation before, after, and during the glorious holiday madness. The shiny children's toy catalogs and the bright online banners broadcasting sales light the flame of consumer urgency, reminding us to quickly check off the items on our gift lists and fill our online carts to the brim. Overwhelmed with the material costs of operating and feeding a spirited crew all under five years old, I start to feel myself (and my schedule) tipping over and smashing into the ground. This is another moment when I recognize my angst and do my best to pause immediately.

My quiet pause consists of listening to the heartbeat of God through small moments of breathwork and prayer and sitting still with my heavy feelings surrounding this hectic time of year. Recently, when I released my emotions up to God, I was reminded of his intentions for me: that I shift away from the physical focus of the tangible self, reconnect with the love that fills my soul, and sustain my best self by finding new moments to act with kindness, love, and tenderness.

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During this most recent pause, I wondered if some of us are born with saint-like tenderness, possessing an innate ability to act compassionately and empathize with those in need. I know a similar feeling must have consumed one of my favorite saints, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, when she was called to God to serve the poor for the entirety of her life.

I might have felt a similar pull when I was a young child, which I did not realize until I found my faith. I recalled moments when I voluntarily showed compassion, especially to those who deviated from childhood social norms. I recognized the sometimes dampening expression of struggle because I had been battling my own challenges, and found that I was filled with joy when I helped someone feel a little less alone. There was nothing better to me than finding common ground with those who also danced to the beat of their own drum.

I remember spending time at my grandfather’s memory-care unit when I was a young girl, observing the unconditional love my grandmother showed him each week while she visited each day to spoon-feed him blended meals and re-stock his ironed t-shirts. I vividly recall one New Year's Day when I brought a bunch of party hats and decided to throw his group of meal pals an impromptu little party. Sure, these wonderful people all had Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia and may not have been totally lucid about what was going on, but I will never forget the joy I felt by spreading cheer and seeing some of them laugh, bringing light to their eyes, and channeling a connection through laughter and songs that I would play on the piano.

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I wondered if some of us are born with saint-like tenderness, possessing an innate ability to act compassionately and empathize with those in need. #CatholicMom

During the first week of school, my daughter’s kindergarten teacher sent me a message to let me know she helped a friend who was hesitant about entering the classroom. She simply took their hand, reassuring them it would be okay, and led them into class. As my heart filled with love at seeing her heart expand, I recalled those moments when I learned to love by witnessing acts of kindness and the calling I felt to care by helping others.

I may have mirrored the love I witnessed, but I now genuinely believe the Holy Spirit and Jesus planted a seedling inside my soul upon creation, encouraging me to share their love and most importantly, teach my little ones through snuggles, stewardship, and faith, that love conquers all, especially during these busy seasons of life.

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