Seriously?! They say a picture is worth a thousand words but this one… oh my. I really think that we can be better neighbors; don’t you? Our world and so many lives are in such chaos these days. There are so many who are suffering and living day to day in fear and uncertainty. The challenges faced by some are obvious however, “in the quiet heart is hidden sorrows that the eye can’t see.” Never before in my lifetime has there been a greater need for us all to express simple kindness, love and concern for one another.
Kindness can be so simple. A smile, a compliment, a note in the mail, or a quick text of encouragement. Taking care of our neigbors. May I invite you to look around and know that as Mother Teresa shares, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
A few weeks ago, my husband traveled to Casper, Wyoming to spend a few days visiting his parents. One evening, we treated them to dinner at a favorite Chinese restaurant. As we were finishing our meal, the waitress came to our table and said, “your meal has been paid for.” The service had not been so hot, so my first thought was that management was compensating for the many mistakes made by the rookie waitress, but no. She explained that our meal was paid for by the couple in the corner that just left! Roger and I were pleasantly surprised, but his father was not. He simply pointed to his Veteran hat and said, “this happens to us all the time.”
Outstanding! I have been so consumed and discouraged lately by the news of our day, that this simple act really renewed my faith in the goodness of mankind. That led me to re-read one of my favorite books, by Gordon B. Hinckley 
Stand for Something – 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal our Hearts and Homes
It speaks of such simple principles like “do unto others” and “love one another.” It champions the need for honesty, trust, forgiveness and gratitude. Most of all has instilled in me hope and optimism for the future. Perhaps you will enjoy it too.
Through challenged by this COVID crisis, we are doing ok. But we see neighbors, friends and family members who are not. All the more reason, I am recommitting to stop obsessing over the news, look up from my phone more often, ‘see’ people and do more to provide comfort and support for those within my reach.
We have a lot of snow here. I think I will go shovel my neighbor’s steps.
This was beautiful Colleen. You are so right.
This was beautiful Colleen. You are so right. I also love the book you pictured by Gordon Hinckley
How beautiful. Your words are mimicked by so many and so many more need to hear your heartfelt plea. We have often been recipients of someones good deed. It does wonders for ones sole, especially when depressed or out of sorts, to be one who gives a smile, pay for groceries or compliment someone on a deef well done. Ray has also been applauded for his service and the most touching are the little children who, before Covid, would extend their hand to shake Rays and thank him for his service. Even now during Covid many will thank him or say Semper Fi (“always faithful”or “always loyal”) and even though he doesn’t always understand anymore.it brings tears to my eyes just to know how truely thankful people are for his service. I thank God all the time for those men and women who have given their time and lives for our freedom. Thank you for reminding us to always be thankful for even the smallest things in our lives and the lives of others. Thank you Colleen for always being such a good friend and for all you and your dear husband have done for us. We love you.