Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year- old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads, he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And liberty and justice for all! Amen!"
Along with laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."
"Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart." Then in a theatrical whisper the gentleman added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman.
With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is already good."
- Lilly Walters
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you".
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red", "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
The easiest way to feel good is to make others feel good.
Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier
than puttin' it back.
- Unknown
Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things
that are not in hand.
- Saint Thomas Acquinas
All of us have bad luck and good luck.
The man who persists through the bad luck - who keeps right on going
-
Is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to
receive it.
- Robert Collier
Everyone has talent.
What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place
where it leads
- Erica Jong
Exhilaration is that feeling you get just after a great idea hits
you,
and just before you realize what's wrong with it.
- Rex Harrison
Kindness is more than deeds.
It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch.
It is anything that lifts another person.
- C. Neil Strait
