Have you read the stories where an elementary school teacher took an interest in a child, maybe told him once that he was smart and had a future and that was all it took? The child clung to those words and believed them and made them real in his life. The words and the love behind them literally changed the world for that person.
It doesn't take much to change a life.
A kind word, a word fitly spoken can be like rain on the seed of possibility for a person. But it takes love and awareness and the ability to see outside ourselves to give those words. And, it takes the same to receive them.
Recently, I've reconnected with some friends who have challenged me to examine my beliefs about myself and my world view. I've had the perfect friend-storm recently. And they have showered me with healing words, but I had to be ready for them.
It's strange. These friends have been here all along. The love was all around and untapped. We have to open ourselves up to the rain. For a seed to grow, it has to break open and accept the nutrition. Growth isn't a solitary process.
So here's another post to encourage you to open up, engage, and let the love flow in. For me, it has happened by being more proactive about letting the love flow out. Giving sweet, loving words costs nothing, but they can mean everything.
It doesn't take much to change a life.
Tom Peters quotes Philo of Alexandria (though the source might really be Plato)--"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle."
ReplyDeleteSome interesting discussion in the comments.