A little bit of kindness goes a long way...

In today's world, sometimes it seems a bit hard to find the good in people. Generally, people are just more distracted, more stressed, more agitated... sometimes it seems they just don't care. But, I have found recently, that the more you take time to notice others and appreciate them, the more they're inclined to respond in kind. Last night, I was at Target and with it being a weeknight, they only had a few registers open, and it seemed everyone was ready to check out at once. Isn't that the way it goes? Well, I was in no particular hurry, so I just hung back and waited my turn. Then, a solemn-faced young black teenager said he could help me at his counter. I appreciated the nice surprise and said "Oh, thank you!" Still stone-faced, but serious about his job, he went about checking out my items. I asked nicely if he could scan one particular larger item from where he was... he said "Yes" and started to soften a bit. Then he asked if I needed the hangers my clothes were on, and I said "You know, I really don't. I generally don't use them and have actually acquired quite a collection at home! Matter of fact, I should bring some back to y'all!" He actually kind of laughed and said yeah, they could use them... He finished up my sale, I took the bags and once again said "Thank you so much" and he responded with a sincere smile on his face saying "Thank you! And you have a great night." A different young man than the one who opened the check-out five minutes earlier.

Funnily enough... today's God's Minute:

Jesus said; "THERE IS NOTHING THAT ENTERS A MAN FROM THE OUTSIDE WHICH CAN DEFILE HIM; BUT THE THINGS WHICH COME OUT OF HIM, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT DEFILE HIM." (MARK 7:15 *NKJV)

As Christians we must be careful of the words we speak, and keep them soft and sweet, because sometimes we can defile ourselves with our words. For if we are not careful "OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH PROCEED BLESSING AND CURSING. MY BRETHREN, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT TO BE SO." (JAMES 3:10) Therefore: "LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, THAT YOU MAY KNOW HOW YOU OUGHT TO ANSWER EACH OTHER." (COLOSSIANS 4:6)
So Beloved, speak only words of kindness, and "SPEAK EVIL TO NO ONE, TO BE PEACEABLE, GENTLE, SHOWING ALL HUMILITY TO ALL MEN. (TITUS 3:2) And "FINALLY, ALL OF YOU BE OF ONE MIND, HAVING COMPASSION FOR ONE ANOTHER; LOVE AS BROTHERS, BE TENDERHEARTED, BE COURTEOUS; NOT RETURNING EVIL FOR EVIL OR REVILING FOR REVILING, BUT ON THE CONTRARY, BLESSING, KNOWING THAT YOU WERE CALLED TO THIS, THAT YOU MAY INHERIT A BLESSING. AMEN." (1 PETER 3:8-9)

I've found that when you have a more positive attitude, it reflects in those around you. You know, I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago at Publix. I had gotten a big sack of cat food, so it was on the bottom of the cart I don't normally use. As I checked out and spoke to the nice cashier, I had noticed that there were a couple of 'punk hoodlum boyz' behind me in line. I went about my business and finished up inside and the 'boyz' continued to follow me out into the parking lot... and do you know, they were actually kind enough to remind me about the sack beneath the cart! It was so minor, but so unexpected and so thoughtful from two kids you would never have thought would even notice, let alone care enough to say anything! Talk about refreshing!
I think we need to expect more from people... they might just surprise you and rise to the occasion! And if it hadn't been for those nice guys, my cats would have starved that night!! :)

"Be the change you want to see in this world!"