Saturday, September 27, 2008

Who Is It?

It's the weekend. What are you doing right now?

Many of us are filling our time with football, church or relaxation. Some of us are either trying to wind down from this work week, while others are getting a head start on the next.

Monday is just around the corner.

While you're going about your end-of-week activities, I'd like to tell you about someone. I'll describe them. and you guess who it is.

This person is someone who has been there for you, likely more than once. They've done you favors, and even though they say you've repaid them, you know you got the better end of the deal.

You remember this person for their kind-hearted nature, their ease at making you feel good. You remember times when they put the wants and needs of others ahead of their own.

You've watched them do things that many others would not -

You've seen a few dollars secretly slipped to someone in need. You've heard a quiet word of encouragement to someone feeling down or upset. You've noticed they are the first to open their arms to greet you and others.

You've felt special and loved and accepted in their presence.

You've watched them and wondered what gives them that "spark".

Do you know who I'm talking about?

I bet you do.

I'm pretty sure they remember you, too.

You know that they've tried to serve others without reward or attention. To them, the reward is always in the doing of the deed.

But you know what would be great? If they got a "thank you" from someone who has benefitted from their acts of kindness.

How long has it been since you've seen or talked to this kind and giving person? A day? month? Ten years?

Do you know how to find them? Are they in the book? Can you find them on Google?

I bet it would be worthwhile to make the effort.

And, I'm willing to bet they would appreciate hearing from you.

It doesn't have to be a long coversation. You can even snail mail them a 'thank you' card.

They may have completely forgotten the act of kindness they showed you.

Go. Find them. And thank them.

5 comments:

Terrie Lynn said...

You know, I think people tend to avoid serving because they think of it as needing to be big and complicated.

I can still remember lots of tiny acts of service--a hug, someone who came to sit with me when I was new, a second-hand compliment that got passed along...

Those kinds of things don't take any real planning, but are as memorable as the made-for-tv size services.

Shonell Bacon said...

Great post - I've been very reflective of this topic lately. Find it important to reach out and thank those who helped me get to where I am....where others are.

Anonymous said...

It is sad, that people are not in the habit of saying Thank You or being thankful these days.
Gratitude is what keep us grounded and stay joyful. Great post, it is a good reminder for everyone.

Giovanna Garcia

Kathryn Skaggs said...

I am learning that service is not always what we DO, but who we ARE, and how that translate into blessing the lives of those we come in contact with...

tDMg
LdsNana

Bonnie1985 said...

James, to me, YOU are that person! :)