The Power of Kindness

Canadian Geese at a local bird sanctuary

My daughters and I were at a local plant store buying the "three sisters" (corn, beans and squash) for my garden.  

While arriving back at the car, I mentioned to my daughters, "I should have grabbed a box to put the plants in."  Immediately, a voice pipes up.  "You need a box?  I will get you one."  As quick as a wink, he was gone.  Within a minute or two he was back, handing me a box for my plants. 

 I said to the gentleman, "Wow, what service, thank you, that was so kind of you, I really appreciate it"  He responded, "Ah, you just made my day.  You're very welcome.  Most people don't even notice I am here."  

After he had said that last statement, It made me think about how I actually had noticed the young men and ladies tending the plants and what a pleasant job it must be watering and pruning them. 

I enjoyed strolling trough the paths of color, with honey bees busy at their task too.

  

That little interlude with another human being stuck with me all week.  He was so thankful that I appreciated the service "He gave me," I made his day.  

How many moments are there that we can express sincere gratitude for something someone has done?   Not just a quick, off the cuff, thanks, but stop and from the heart express your appreciation.  It goes a long way. 

Two lessons learned.

1.  People notice more than you think.  Do your task with all diligence.

2.  Express words of gratitude to your fellow man, it goes a long way.

    

   

  

HE WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH

This is a picture I took from the same bird sanctuary I had talked about at last weeks post.  I love how the colors of spring come out gradually.  It is as if you are looking at a sepia picture; but, oh, there is a spot of red.  The grays and the brown's are even beautiful.

My hope with this blog is that you are inspired to take a moment and read the scriptures.  I am not a preacher.  I am a daughter of our Heavenly Father that endeavors to walk with Him. 

This verse is in a chapter of the Bible where the psalmist is being persecuted for living his life the best he knows how according to God's Word.  He knows he is not perfect, he knows at times he sins, but he knows his Heavenly Father is always there for him.  Even though God has forgiven him, the world wants to publicize his failures and even make up a few for good measure.  He finds his rest in keeping his eyes on the Creator and enjoys the comfort of praise.

In the midst of your troubles, praise Him.  You will be amazed how small troubles seem, when you keep your thoughts on Him.

THE WHOLE CREATION PRAISES GOD

Have you read Psalm 86?  Go get your bible and read it!  Oh, my!  God is so good!  Even the creation praises our God.  I have been around a lot of animals in my life time and if you open your eyes and look and listen, you will see them praising God.  My husband and I were at a bird sanctuary in the Catskill region of New York.  It was a moment that made you close your eyes, take a deep breath and breathe out praise.  There was nobody else there, just us, our daughter, and God's creation.  The air was brisk, a gentle breeze, and a pair of Canadian geese.  This goose was praising the Creator.  Look! The wings are up, the chin is up and he or she was honking.  What a wonderful moment to experience.  We are not to worship the creation, but we can enjoy and give praise to God when we see the creation worshipping Him.