When I saw her recently, I said something like "That's a pretty sweater you are wearing. It looks really nice on you." To which I got a near teary eyed, unexpected response, something like, "You are so kind to me . . . you always notice me."
It shocked me. Instead of me blessing her, she blessed me! I think of all the times I do not take special note. Many times I say the wrong thing . . . but this once I met a need, allowing me to realize how important it is to have eyes that see. It may just be a few words. But genuine words can make someone's day, especially when we don't know what kind of a day they have had.
I came away being reminded of a song that was popular in the 1970's . . . it was still with me the next day . . . a prayer and a challenge for every day. If you know it, you'll be singing it . . .
Let me be a little kinder
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me
Let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am strivin' for
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me
Let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am strivin' for
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me
Glen Campbell
14 comments:
Oh yeah - the tune popped into my head as soon as I saw the words. What a great reminder for today. Thanks!
This was such a good reminder and encouragement Anneliese. Thanks for sharing it...
So sweet Anneliese! It reminds me of another blogger friend who quoted Mother Teresa today - "Do small things with great love"
And yes I remember that song! It was a favourite.
the song that popped into my head was "It's your kindess that leads us to repentance, oh Lord, knowing that You love us no matter what we do, makes us want to love You too." It just goes to show you that a little kindness can really go a long way- thanks for sharing!
That song popped into my head immediately too when I read your title - so, so true!!!! Thanks for this reminder Anneliese - your kind spirit must be such a blessing to all you meet!
I don't think I've ever heard that song, but I know my Mom listened to Glen Campbell when I was a kid. Or at least I think she did. I'll have to look him up and see if I can find it online.
And we all need to be kinder. You never know when it might be what gets a person through another day.
Ah yes...I do remember the song and can appreciate your words of kindness. It is so good to be reminded of the impact a few kind or otherwise words can make on all those we meet.
Good thoughts and a great message in the song. Thanks for reminding us how important it is to be attentive to those around us...to really SEE them!
I had long forgotten about that song...or what a good message it had. I'll be singing it for awhile now...and that's a good thing. A reminder to be a little kinder can never hurt!
This is so beautiful and lifts my spirits today! Thanks!
We never know who we'll touch or in what way - we may never even know it's happened..but if we're the recipients of kindness, the impact if enormous!
You blessed my heart with this post.....I think I just found that little nudge I have needed. I just love you to peaces Annneliese...I can imaging the joy your precious smile and kind words were to your friend. A soothing balm to someone who just needed that expression of kindness. Keep being who you are...sensitive to others.
We never know who amongst us has suffered or is suffering. I know of a woman who has born up under terrible circumstances all her life. First as a child, then a few years of peace, and back into the cauldron of adversity. If you didn't know her, you could mistake her quiet way for something else.
People would never guess the conditions her spirit resides in, as she is holding herself together by the Grace of God.
Let us take care to sow kind words and not to crush the downtrodden.
Indeed, let us go out of our way to be salt and light to a hurting world.
Thank you for this gentle post.
I enjoy visiting your blog, you are a kindred spirit.
God's Blessings,
Jen
"Let me be a Little Kinder". To me, being kind is the crux of being a disciple of Jesus. You show it beautifully.
Sonya
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