So if you are like me and you have ever found yourself passing the hours in an airport terminal, and because you are bored, it is easy to pass the time people-watching. For some strange reason, I find people fascinating in their own environment. Whether it is the wardrobe they decide to put on, or the companions they select as company, there is something truly telling about observing people in their element. And yet at the same time, you can’t help but notice some behaviors from so-called “adults” that are really quite shocking.
Now guys, I don’t claim to have all the answers, but in my time observing, I was frequently stunned by the way some folks decided to interact with one another—particularly those who appeared to be married. To give you an example, I witnessed a truly heart-wrenching exchange between a couple, man and a woman and I am telling you, the behavior I saw this man display was absolutely saddening.
Now you know I’ve spent quite a bit of time on this blog reflecting on marriage and the fundamental way we choose to interact with one another. In fact, I actually wrapped up a two-part series where we explored the idea of killing people with kindness and the power of paying it forward (links are down below). It’s amazing how simple, everyday choices that you and I make change everything for our friends, but especially for our spouses.
Yet as I stood there, witnessing that scene with growing frustration, seeing a husband choose to be so deliberately cruel toward his spouse, it truly broke my heart. In the end, fueled by his own anger, he simply walked away—leaving her stranded and solitary in that terminal. I couldn’t help but wonder, watching from afar, how a couple like this ever began their journey together? When you witness such a tragic decline, you have to ask yourself… were there ever any better times?
Yet when I think about this now, and everything that led up to that moment I witnessed in the terminal it hit me that all those simple, everyday choices between that couple somewhere along the way were broken. He went from kindness to cruelty. And that point alone seems to be forgotten by people who are rushing through their life and travels, just trying to reach the next destination.
And what is just plain sad is that, some people’s hard wired reaction towards other people is just cruelty…
I’m telling you, it’s truly painful to witness these moments. Because when you strip everything else away, our FAMILY is our only true legacy and if we decide to treat our loved ones with the same coldness I saw in the airport that day,
You will end up being alone.
And even though you may not see this in your present situation, it will be a tragedy in the future when it comes to pass. Guys, here is the truth, these situations can be avoided. Moreover, it doesn’t take a genius to choose kindness.
Jesus was asked what was the greatest Commandment of all, and he replied, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
And then he said…“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:33
Or, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” Ephesians 5:25
Or, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” Colossians 3:19
Guys, as husbands and fathers, we are called to love, encourage, and build up our families…not destroy.
If you have anger problems, I encourage you to seek help from your pastor…and when the opportunity presents itself, choose kindness.
Until next time Guys,
Iron-man Strength (IMS) Team
Wright, Kent, “Killing them with Kindness,” Ironman Strength, December, 24, 2024, iron-man-strength.com
Wright, Kent, “Practical ways to Kill them with Kindness – Part 2” Ironman Strength, December, 26, 2024, iron-man-strength.com
