There have probably been some difficult times at practice where you felt you kept messing up, the coach or one of your teammates may have shouted at you, and then during the game you made a mistake that cost a goal.  You could have sure used some KIND words right then!

Well, KINDNESS is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit where you show concern and understanding for someone who could need some help.  And KINDNESS can come in so many forms.  A hug, a smile, the right words at the right time, an act of forgiveness.  All these things are done because you have a Christian love for the person who needs to be shown KINDNESS.  KINDNESS usually shows itself in the little things.

KINDNESS also softens the hard and angry hearts of people.  "A gentle answer turns away wrath" (Proverbs 15:l).

Now, KINDNESS does not always mean being nice.  Being nice can sometimes result in playing with someone who is doing the wrong thing.  Sometimes to be KIND means telling someone that they are doing the wrong thing and perhaps risk hurting a friendship.  In the end however, your friendship will probably be stronger because the other person will soon realize that you did what you did, or said what you said, only because you love them.

So, during this last week of practice and the final tournament games, try to be KIND to everyone around you.  A "thank you" to the coach. An encouraging word to someone who is feeling a bit sad. A smile and a "that's OK, you tried your best, I'm glad you are on my team" if someone makes a mistake.

We will be known as Christians by our love for one another, and St Paul tells us that "Love is being patient and KIND." (I Corinthians).