A Lenten Challenge
Dear Hill-Murray Community,
“Be kind.” It’s printed on t-shirts, hash tagged on social media, found on countless posters and even used quite regularly in anti-bullying curriculum. “Be kind.” While the sentiment behind these two words is undeniably important, sometimes I wonder if the phrase itself has become so overused that it risks losing its meaning. In a world where true kindness requires action, empathy, courage and sometimes discomfort, simply saying “be kind” can maybe feel more like a nice tagline than a call to be truly human and compassionate to others. Having said that, I am not ready to give up on the phrase. Instead, I am challenging myself during this Lenten season to take “Be kind” to the next level. Maybe you are willing to do the same?
A smile, an encouraging word, a supportive cheer – I see these acts of kindness on a regular basis at Hill-Murray. It seems to come naturally to students. I love the sign in our front yard, “All Guests Welcomed as Christ”, from the Rule of St. Benedict. It comes to life every day in how the community rallies around those who are hurting, celebrates joys and successes and continually makes efforts to ensure that all feel a sense of safety and welcome. This is “be kind” in action. We know how to do this, it’s in our DNA.
To our Hill-Murray students, maybe taking “be kind” to the next level means you double down on reaching out to someone who is hard to love, to someone who is hurting. Maybe it means you forgive someone who has wronged you. Maybe taking “be kind” to the next level means that you do the right thing even when no one is watching, when there’s nothing obviously extra in it for you. Maybe taking “be kind” to the next level means having the courage to admit when you are wrong, to put your ego aside and make amends when necessary. “Be kind” can oftentimes be easy – but sometimes it’s hard and requires courage and strength.
For me, taking “be kind” to the next level might mean I show more patience for that particular family member that seems to get on my every last nerve. It might mean that I slow down and take time to appreciate a conversation, truly paying attention to the person and being fully present. Leveling up might require me to “be kind” to myself and take a breath, intentionally finding some time for quiet prayer and reflection, especially during these 40 days of Lent.
Part of my Lenten reflection this year has included special intentions for the Class of 2025. These seniors were freshmen during my first year as President. It has been a joy to watch them learn and grow and I am looking forward to seeing them move onto their next adventure. Seniors – for you, “be kind” has a significant impact on the legacy you leave behind as leaders in the school. The younger students are watching you, they follow your example as they look forward to their future as leaders in the school. Finish strong seniors – you are an amazing class and I am so proud of you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Dan, Ed.S.
Hill-Murray School President