Planting Seeds

“Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” Robert Louis Stevenson

In H. Jackson Brown, Jr.’s book, “Life’s Little Instruction Book”, the very first instruction is to compliment three people every day. I agree with Mr. Brown, but would add one word to his instruction…I would say that it is important to give genuine compliments.  People know the difference – you’re eye’s will betray you. I’d go even further by saying that the challenge is to be able to make a conscious effort to see something positive in the

negative, pessimistic people who seem to feed off drama and discord.

The Bible has much to say on being kind to one another. In Ephesians 4:32 kjv, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  

I must say that this is not as easy as it sounds, but I know that on a personal level the small things matter. I will drive out of my way, or reroute my trip to stop at specific filling stations or fast food joints because of the kind, friendly and consistent service I get from the people who work behind the counter. I begin to bond with them, and they with me. I have one stop that I make once a week (or even less frequently). The woman that works there will come out from around the counter to get a hug from me and to give me one in return. She asks about my family and will ask where I’ve been if she hasn’t seen me in several weeks. We bless each other with just a few minutes of smiles, kind words and a genuine hug. It makes me realize how many people out there are lonely, sad and long for someone to care….anyone….you…me…

What are seeds of kindness? Well, to me they begin with a smile that reaches your eyes and just simply being polite…saying, “Please” and “Thank You”….then moving to “Have a nice day.”  It is opening a door for someone, giving up your place in line for someone with less to purchase, letting someone pull in front of you in a traffic jam, not getting upset when the waitress spills your drink…and the list goes on…. One thing that really means something to people is to recognize faces and remember names.

 Recognizing faces and remembering names is something that I am determined to make a priority because I fail miserably at it. The Sherlock Holmes ability to connect the dots is something I admire and there are those out there than can do it very well. My husband is one of those people. I would be happy with just the basics – remembering names WITH faces - even as life changes them! It makes a difference to me when someone remembers my name AND how to correctly spell it!