The Kindess of St. Francis

Born in Assisi, Italy in 1181, Saint Francis was the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. After spending his teenage years in reckless partying, in his early 20s he was captured in a battle and spent an entire year in prison. After being released, he became increasingly focused on his spiritual life - eventually dedicating his life to God as a priest and working among the poor.

There have literally been volumes and volumes of books written about St. Francis, but most of all, his life was marked by a profound kindness. In today’s world we are often confused that kindness is reserved for sweet old grandmothers and serves no real purpose - but for St. Francis, kindness was active, practical, and even courageous.

“Start by doing what is necessary,
then what is possible,
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Whatever your goals, start with kindness by doing what is necessary. This summarizes the very practical approach that St. Francis took towards life’s challenges. Kindness will not necessarily keep you from pain, (St. Francis endured many painful trials during his ministry), but a spirit of kindness towards yourself - and those around you - will give you just the surge of energy and faith needed to take action and get started.

And many times, getting started is the most important step of all!

“Remember that when you leave this earth,
you can take with you nothing that have received--
only what you have given.”