So often it seems like we work ourselves to death, only to have another get the credit, or find fault in it and pick it apart. So rather than try to put an effort into things, we just assume the worst and skim by, doing only the minimum amount required.
One starts to forget how a small gesture can make so many people smile. It needn't be a grand gesture, or expensive or extravagant. Just a kind comment, a well placed smile, or a thoughtful gesture and you will feel better for having done it and they feel better for having received it. That kindness then tumbles forth from those that received it creating more happiness. I often wonder why we don't get easily addicted to these things. Why most people would rather be rude, or mean or catty out of jealousy or self preservation only to increase the anger and misery in the world.
A simple, silly thought filled my head earlier this evening. A friend got bad news and all I could think was how to make her smile. A few minutes of preparation and a small stuffed pig left on her doorstep left her smiling, and left me and my co-conspirator laughing all the way home.
I am reminded of a friend that used to bring me care packages when I was sick. The most expensive thing in the bag was a can of Alpha-Getti...it wasn't the contents that made my day. It was the fact that she took the time to write me a letter, by hand, on her best paper, and toss a couple items in a bag that I would laugh at and truck herself over to my house (no small feat for a high school kid without a vehicle). I remember so clearly the simple things done for me by those that loved me. Things they did, not because they had to, not because it was Christmas or my birthday....just because they thought of me, because for a brief moment, my happiness was important to someone.
Makes me wish I did it more often....
... at Thanksgiving, I gave thanks that you were in our lives =D
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