Today as we extended the sign of peace to one another at church, I was surprised to find a friend of mine sitting across the aisle! I was immediately embraced and felt so good to see her. When you walk into your house, no doubt if you have a dog, it will be there at your feet wagging its tail and greeting you. Going to pick up the mail and finding a letter or card from a friend is always a great way to find joy in your day.
In a recent Mini Miracles from Minor Moment Podcast, a Business Acquaintance I have known for some 18 years talked about “RELATIONSHIPS.” People need people to get through their day. Whether we like someone or not, they are around us when we go into a store, at church, or at the local post office. People can make our day wonderful by returning a smile or simply by acknowledging our presence. Isn’t it great when someone recognizes you or even goes out of their way to help? I was at a store one day and dropped a few things while fumbling to hold onto my purse. Another person in line, bent over and handed my the coupon I had dropped. How very thoughtful they were to even notice my problem. That is just so kind in this day and age when everyone is in a hurry and almost ignorant of those around them. How affordable is it to give a few minutes of joy to another person?
How are you doing at recognizing other people? Do you remember their names or something special about them? Are you willing to go out of your way to help your neighbor? I love using Linked-In. It reminds us that people are celebrating work anniversaries and other accomplishments. It gives us an opportunity to write a note if we wish to do so.
Do you think social media is good at helping people feel recognized? Facebook “likes” have for some reason taken a back seat for me. It seems like a “cop out” when we don’t send the birthday card or make a more intentional effort to recognize others’ Birthdays. As much as we care about certain things, it is not meaningful to hit a like icon, as much as it is to go out of our way to actually connect with a person.
Please think about someone else today that could use a smile, a recognition, or a call. Make your time even more relevant today. Reach out and make their day a great one! Delight in Living!