More Important To Be Nice

To my daughter,

                There’s a popular saying that goes like this: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” This was taught to President Howard W. Hunter by his mother when he was a child. All of us like to be recognized and feel important at times, but what really matters is how we treat others. When we show kindness to others we naturally feel better about ourselves because the Spirit confirms to us that we have chosen the right. I know that you have a loving heart, but it can be hard sometimes to be kind when others are doing things that bother or hurt us. Elder Wirthlin, an apostle when I was growing up, said this about kindness: “Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.” He told a story about the Prophet Joseph Smith who showed great kindness to others in his life even though he was often mistreated. He recounted, “The Prophet Joseph Smith exemplified kindness in his life to everyone, old and young. One child who benefited from the Prophet’s kindness remembered: ‘My older brother and I were going to school, near to the building which was known as Joseph’s brick store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got [our feet] in the mud, and could not get out, and of course, child-like, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud from our little, heavy-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing.’” I love this story because it shows that we don’t have to do great things to be kind—if we just pay attention to those around us we will find ways to help and love people every day.

                The Savior of course was a perfect example of kindness. He showed great love to others during His mortal life as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, visited the outcasts, and taught the gospel to everyone. When He was among the Nephites He saw their needs and said this to them: “Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you. Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy” (3 Nephi 17:6-7). He healed them all and showed that He wanted to bless all of them. I hope that each day we can remember His example, and when others bother us or anger us, we can let those feelings go and instead focus on how He would treat them. I know that as you try to remember Him, you will find that you can show more kindness and patience towards your siblings and friends and everyone else around you. 

Love,

Dad