Tenderness

"Tenderness does not choose its own uses.  It goes out to everything equally." Jane Hirshfield

My daughter and I were talking about a lovely woman we know who always shows up being gracious. She seems to have mastered the ability to be tender in all things equally.  We can master that quality too.  It is a matter of intention.  How do you wish to show up with family and friends and strangers?  It is important to consider.  I have seen people who are very gracious with strangers, but snarl at family members.  I have seen people be nice to friends, but rude to store clerks.  What if we would decide to be gracious to all people at all times?  Starting with ourselves.