It takes courage of a particular magnitude and attitude to operate from a platform of humility, and cope with life. Growing into a position of sensitive understanding must encompass a great deal of passiveness. Over the years, society has shown a drastic decline in its role towards nodding in the direction of gentle and pure kindness. One would have thought that the human aspect of life would have graduated in a way that would have placed a good deed at the forefront of any emotion. However, it is becoming easily recognisable that the control of humanity is slipping quickly into a place of despair.
There was a time when, without a doubt, you had no room for impoliteness, you had to perform in a manner that rose above the norm. If you were delinquent in responding to a gesture that was kind, an automatic visible or invisible form of punishment would be forthcoming. Now, as I recall, in a biblical conversation it was said that ten lepers were healed from their illness but only one returned to say thanks. This is such a powerful message. At times it makes you wonder how applicable it is in our world today.
People tend to take it for granted that if you are given something, no matter how big or small, it is not important to show appreciation. This sort of action is now seeping through life and is being transferred onto the younger generation, and causing societies to have a challenging way of doing what is right. If we are not careful with the manner in which society has pushed this way of avoiding reciprocation, we can end up with a society that is numb. If you do something often enough, it will seem normal, therefore, it is simple to deduce that if you develop a habit of being unpleasant towards your fellow members of society, it will eventually be seen or known as part of life.
It is normal for me to refer to the elderly and disabled in society, especially as it pertains to how they are treated. If we, as a people, are fully engaged in the welfare of our vulnerable, we have to be seriously concerned. The more we delve into how much appreciation is given to our elderly and disabled, the conclusion will only leave mixed opinions. It is said repeatedly that not enough compassion is shown to the elderly and disabled and that statement depends on how you look at it. In some cases it appears as if care has lost its purpose and in other instances, the love shown is at an unadulterated level.
What troubles me quite often is, how could these folks, who are so humble, be abused to the extent that they have to be hospitalised. Those who commit such brutal acts must be sick or even imbalanced in mind. They should be shut away from society for a very long time. It does not matter how troublesome these folks can be, you have to remember that they are humans, just as we are, and need to be loved and appreciated. In most cases, empathy shouts at you as you age and the majority of time you are put into a position of contemplation.
How often are we in situations of devastation and have to rely on the wisdom of kindness to take us through. It is at times like this that we have to dig deep into our soul and reach out for help. That help can only come from the One above.
It would be remiss of me if I didn’t touch on two words: kindness and appreciation. The 2021 budget is now common knowledge and quite a bit of information was given to the public to digest. A level of kindness was placed in the budget for persons who are elderly and disabled. This level of kindness has removed some portion of doubt that the elderly and disabled have registered their voices for attention. They are known for their persistent calls for help. This must be a sign that the old adage, if you toss sufficient mud at a wall, some will stick, always makes sense.
Kindness is something that comes from the heart and must be recognised as a gift from God. This act of kindness will surely assist the said folks to a great extent. It was once said that it feels good doing good for somebody. I do hope that those who are in a position to reap the benefits, feel the true effect of kindness.
Now to appreciation: After hearing and partially reading the budget, as it pertained to the elderly and disabled, I was expecting to read and hear deafening sounds coming from the said community. To my surprise, only one sector openly stated its appreciation and that was the blind community. Appreciation, from its origin, has been the cornerstone of saying thanks and, make no mistake, its absence speaks volumes. One might have thought that a collective level of appreciation would have been shown to illustrate what a good gesture the powers-that-be felt for our elderly and disabled.
It is imperative to remember that gratitude flows way above ingratitude, and it’s never too late to show your appreciation. No one is too big to say ‘I made a mistake, and I am sorry’.
I will say this again, what is needed in the elderly and disabled community is unbridled support and with that more goodwill will be forthcoming. Let’s say thanks for kindness and appreciation.
In the spirit of growth.
Please remember to wash your hands, wear your mask and keep up social distancing.