“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
A well-dressed, nice-faced lady rounded the corner of the grocery aisle, in a hurry. She had a phone to her ear and was colorfully detailing her directions as to how another should proceed to a choice destination without delay. Very unladylike speech ensued.
Angry expressions, hurtful words, heated discussions…and disconnect on every side. Bitter tears. Disappointments. Broken promises. Raised fists hover threateningly above the explosion of sounds, screaming for attention-pleading to be heard. Is the noise of life too great to hear ourselves? The pressures of the job/kids/marriage/mind weighing heavy? What if we could release that in a peaceful way? What if we could see our life through another’s eyes? What if we decided to stop and actually listen to the other person. With respect. Putting ourselves in their shoes as best we can, before allowing a snap judgement to escape our lips. A quick retort that though may be clever…cannot be unsaid. Unfelt. Or forgotten.
While in line at the checkout counter tonight, several things stood out.
The lady that used a cane, each step taken painfully, with careful deliberation. A sobering sight, as I was contemplating looking at the “cane section” tonight, myself. Another was a gentlemen paying, while his disabled daughter sat in her motorized wheelchair waiting for his transaction to be complete. He motioned “this way”-and she began to slowly guide her chair in his direction. I glanced at the cashier, who had a beautiful hue of red/maroon color twisted in her long hair. A simple compliment about how that shade was such a pretty choice of color in her hair, brought an immediate change to her face. A tired, work-worn resigned expression quickly turned into a happy, open, friendly smile. She seemed ready to help, and eager to serve! We did not look the same. We did not know each other. We did not dress alike…but we connected. We shared a moment with a smile.
A smile. A heartfelt compliment. A quick silent prayer for one, and another. A wash of gratitude for simply being able to stand there, unaided.
To fuss? To fight? To argue over the silliest and even not-so-silly things? A sad use of our precious gift of time. A mean look. A hateful word. A harming hand. All are contagious. They may not be mirrored or repeated immediately, but they will eat away at both the giver-and the receiver, and will very likely show up again…sometimes down the road of life, sometimes sooner than we think.
Smiles, and kind words are contagious. Spread some joy! Be the light that causes another to emulate that!
What can you do…to cooperate? #rich #therichway #cooperation
Plus-sized faith today-
“Winning the MS-Mind Game”,
Donnarae
