Humble and Kind

Gentle and Kind.  The words I use to calm my 100 pound Alaskan Malamute when she has come head to head with another alpha female.  It is during these moments that this loving and sweet dog becomes Cujo.  Yes.  She becomes the rabid St. Bernard in the movie “Cujo” based on the book by Stephen King.  Scary!  Ninety percent of the time, whispering “gentle and kind” over and over again calms her down.   I know that by whispering these words to her I can possibly avoid bloodshed on our beautiful walk through the park and a thousand dollar vet bill.

I am the brunt of the joke by my family whenever they encounter me using these words with her.  Yes, they laugh hysterically.  No joke.  They tell me that she does not know what I am saying.  Well, I believe they are wrong.  It works.  Truly.  I started using these words after hearing Tim McGraw sing the song “Humble and Kind” written by Lori McKenna.  Now let’s be serious.  I definitely know she would not know what the word “humble” meant, thus, the change to gentle.  Okay, don’t worry, I know she doesn’t know what that means either.  Believe me when I tell you it does work.  Alright, I know as long as I’m calm and whispering, she’s going to react the same.  Ugh!

But, if these wonderful words can work on a dog, I believe they can work for anyone – young or old, male or female.  These words should be taught with love, calm and patience.  On the days when I’m wrapped up in my own head and forget those around me, I remember my Mom and Dad.   As a girl, my Mom and Dad would go through the litany of the rules that I had to abide by.  These rules are ones that I hold near and dear to my heart. Rules that I have shared with my own children.  They have made me who I am today.  They are very simple and easy to follow. Most are included in the lyrics of this beautiful song.

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
When childhood stars shine,

Always stay humble and kind

Go to church ’cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time

Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin’

Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
“I love you” ain’t no pick up line so

Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but

Always stay humble and kind

When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but

Always stay humble and kind.

When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the A/C and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine

Always stay humble and kind.

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re goin’  don’t forget turn back around
help the next one in line

Always stay humble and kind.

We are all in a different place from where we started.  Some have achieved more than others, some less.  We all have to remember our roots and where we began.  One day I received a letter from an old childhood neighbor.  Inside was a picture of the house I grew up in.  My daughter saw the picture lying on the table and asked whose shed it was.  I paused for a moment and told her that it was the house that I grew up in (a small Cape Cod).  She was not sure how to respond.  She was only 12 at the time.  I reminded her of all the stories she’d heard me tell of the great friends, neighbors, childhood I had and how hard Grandpa worked to keep us in a home.  Her response was “it must have been a wonderful house”.  It most certainly was.  Idyllic.

Sometimes it is hard for any of us to remember to stay humble and kind.  It is so much easier to judge our friends, our family, and even strangers.  We can’t know everything they are going through.  Sometimes they don’t know themselves.  Some may be suffering from the loss of a loved one, a financial crisis, a health concern, or any other challenge life may throw in one’s path.  One kind gesture is all it takes to keep us humble.  Smile at the old man who looks so sad or angry.  He may be lonely.  Hold the door open for the person behind you.  No one in their family may be kind to them.  Show them that there is hope.  Wave at the police officer who passes you as you walk your dog.  Appreciation is not shown much for all that they do and sacrifice to protect us.  Simple actions.  Great rewards.

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit…

1 Peter 3:8