"Never suppress a generous thought."
I've always seemed to hang onto this quote, as there are often times when I am prompted to do something specific for another person...maybe even a simple call to say hello. I don't always, but I really try my best to act on these thoughts (rather than suppress them), mainly because I have known and experienced just how deeply I've been touched by kind acts towards myself.
A few of these I thought I'd share...
-One winter day a couple of years ago, there was an imminent freeze in the forecast (which is not super common around these parts). I was home with my then three children (one a newborn), when I saw some one walking around to the back of our house. A little alarmed, I took a closer peek out the window only to discover my dad wrapping up all our outdoor faucets in preparation for the freeze. I had been thinking we needed to do that, but had never actually told anyone. My dad is one of the kindest people I know....this is only a small sampling of the generous acts of love from him.
-After just delivering my fourth baby, when everything was settling down from the hustle and bustle, all of my family left the hospital for one reason or another (food-run, naps for my other children, etc). I was still in the birthing room and was waiting to be transferred to my postpartum room. My sister-in-law stayed with me for the entire time (which was several hours), to keep me company and make sure I was settled in okay. It was never a "I'll stay with her" or "Who's going to stay here with Kristen?".....she just hung back for a while and was the only one left. I've thanked her for this before, but I don't think she'll ever know just how much that meant to me. I will always remember those special first few hours after my son was born, and that she shared that time with me and him...the three of us.
-Between having my second and third children, I miscarried late in my first trimester. I still had two children at home (such a blessing), but having to resume my mothering responsibilities right after my D&C was disheartening to say the least. The next morning, one of my good friends showed up unannounced with my favorite kolaches in hand and was just there. I couldn't really talk about it then without my tougue swelling, but it didn't matter. She was just there. That's all. Again, I don't think she'll ever know how much that meant (means) to me. I'm eternally grateful that she didn't suppress that generous thought to come visit a friend.
You never know when or how much the little things will matter to others. I doubt any of the above examples were thought of as doing a remarkable favor or something extraordinarily nice for me....
But little did they know.
No comments:
Post a Comment