Hello Daneen
Nice reflection and synopsis as it relates to the importance of intentionally stepping into acts kindness at every opportunity in one’s life and career, most certainly as you look towards integrating the unknown author’s (1951) statement, “I shall pass through this world but once”, as a bridge to both your peers, and the hope and relief you bring to your patients (p. 192). I suppose the true capacity of effectiveness behind every leadership lesson depends on the type of motive whether the word, or act, flushes out from a heart that serves, or a heart that hurts. The passage leaves one feeling that sense of urgency in terms of living in the now, which in the context of your work environment, means that you see these opportunities to “not neglect kindness” because you are constantly surrounded by those suffering from life-limiting illnesses. In business, that same sense of urgency remains; however, kindness and opportunity are sometimes used, even from leaders espousing great skill, as doppelgängers, concealing underlying destructive motives often rooted in malice, revenge, jealousy and greed. In terms of understanding the brevity in our mortality, I agree with both you and the unknown author, that we should honour the limited time we have to improve the quality of life in others. However, we are all fallen and are constantly bombarded by messages from a world bent on “me”; therefore, this passage and your commentary are great reminders when considering how my own motives will either hurt or help, especially in those brief moments of opportunity to share kindness.
Matt
Let me not neglect any kindness for I shall not pass this way again. (1951). In L. E. Watson, Light from Many Lamps (pp. 191-193). New York: Simon & Schuster.