Someone, a person I'd never seen before ... likely would never see again ... had paused, held the door, and motioned for me to enter ahead of them.
I thanked them and walked on in.
Big deal. A few minutes later, when I was leaving the store, I had already forgotten about this small act of thoughtfulness, but I paused, held the door for the person behind me, then strode off to my car.
That's when I started thinking about these small acts of kindness that we bestow -- or withhold -- as we go about our daily routines.
How easily they become a part of our lives. Or how easily they are forgotten, neglected in our rush to get to the next red light ahead of everybody else.
They are such simple things, so easily given. They cost us nothing, yet have the potential of great dividends. What fragile threads they are, holding together the fabric of this thing we call civilization.
They are the "renewable glue" that holds us together, these little gifts we bestow on others, whether at the door, in the checkout line, or out there in the jungle that we call traffic.
What does it cost us to let someone else go ahead?
As in the simplest childhood game, we'll "get our turn." Meanwhile, we've done a good turn, no matter that it's almost unnoticeable, for someone else. They may then do a good turn for someone else.
It has the potential for going on and on, this "renewable glue." It might even work on a larger scale than just person-to-person.
End of sermon ... and now the poem:
RENEWABLE GLUE
An act of kindness,
a nod, a smile,
the door held open --
gifts easily bestowed,
yet vital as droplets
of renewable glue
keeping civilization
from falling apart.
© 1995
(originally published in Capper's)
***
Today's word:
renewable
1 comment:
This is wonderfully timely :) The other day I had a some items in my cart and the lines were slooww. A lady was going from line to line seeming frantic, holding two items in her hand and cash ready to pay. I motioned her ahead of me thinking, not like two minutes is going to change the course of my day, ha ha ha.
She remarked thank you several times in surprise (her surprise, telling in itself of the world in which we live). She had a heavy accent and it was clear she was not from these parts. I told her no problem, I'm not in any hurry. The items she was buying were for a broken down trailer; they were traveling and it was hailing.
We never know what small act of kindness can mean for another. Town is not a very friendly place out here, especially for those obviously not native to the area. Didn't even cost me two minutes because I had plenty to spare :) Not to say oh how great I am, ha ha ha! Just to share how big a small act can end up being :)
Thank for this lovely poem and commentary. You do have a gift for bringing out the best in each of us.
Post a Comment