Small Stones
“Remember, you are not asked to save the world or even a single creature. You are asked to listen and to hear what you are called to do, great or small. There are small stones that hold the great ones in place” (Steve Garnaas-Holmes)
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“There But For Fortune May Go You Or I”
When we see someone struggling in a wheelchair or notice a tear-streaked cheek, might it be wise to remember the song “There but for fortune may go you or I.” Frequently performed by Joan Baez, it reflects on the thin line between different life outcomes.
Our current situation could easily change due to luck or circumstance. Anyone could find themselves destitute when least expected. Thinking about the randomness of life can encourage compassion towards those who may not have our good fortune.
Always be thankful, generous & kind.…
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Happy May Day!
Giving thanks for the beauty in our world and ALL of its people.
Happy May Day!…
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Communicate With Kindness
When someone senses we have goodwill and respect for them, it enables them to lower their defenses and hear what we’re saying. It’s so easy to be positive with people who think like us, go out of their way for us, or simply agree with our ideas. The challenge is when we disagree with someone’s beliefs.
Many of us are now struggling with not knowing what to do or say when confronted with people who have opposite viewpoints. It’s helpful if others know we are trying to respect their opinion, yet are willing to stand up for our own values.
When someone responds to our comments with a kind word, we are more likely to keep focused on staying positive. Kind words can deepen our connections and encourage respect.
Here are some examples of responses to disagreements using kindness:
“I am here to listen to anything you have to say.”…
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A Good Friend
Twelve years ago today, I met a new volunteer at an event at the Mall of America. Her name is Margie, and for an unknown reason, I felt a special connection with her. Perhaps it was her beautiful spirit of doing the little things that made the big things happen. Before parting ways that day, I asked if we might meet for coffee sometime to exchange ideas. For a dozen years now, we have shared our stories at monthly outings.
It’s not the number of years we’ve known friends. It’s the feeling we get when they cross our minds. Thank you, Margie, for blessing my life with your presence and your kindness.
May The Road Rise Up To Meet You
An Irish Blessing for all!
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Blessing or Lesson?
Think about the people who crossed your path today. It’s easy to remember the person who made or bought you coffee this morning. They were a blessing! How about the one who posted something you just don’t believe in? Did it serve to strengthen your values or was it a lesson in not allowing others to spoil your day?
Be a blessing to someone today!
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated on February 17 as a reminder of the power of kindness and its potential to bring about positive social change. The theme for Random Acts of Kindness Day 2025 is “Make Kindness the Norm.”
Need a few new ideas to get you started?
- Leave a positive review online of a restaurant you like
- Tell a friend what you love about their children
- Compliment a photo someone posted on social media
- Bring snacks to the local fire station
- Send an email to a former teacher
- Leave a thank you note in your mailbox for your mail carrier
- Bring in the trash bins for your neighbor
- Keep a supply of little chocolates in your pocket or purse to distribute randomly
- Send your mother flowers
During turbulent times
During what may feel like turbulent times, it was encouraging to read the poem “Against the Brutal Urge” by Steve Garnaas-Holmes, author of Unfolding Light.
Against the brutal urge
only a mass of gentle people
will be effective.
Against the deep night
which is not bottomless after all
only light will bring release.
Against the lie that nothing can be done
only people doing it anyway
will prevail.
Against our own despair
only one who comes in love
can defend us.
Against the monstrous powers
only the invitation to love the poor child
will save us.…
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Our Job In Life
“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero. As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time.”
Mister Fred Rogers…
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