“Behave so the aroma of your actions may enhance the general sweetness of the atmosphere.” (Henry David Thoreau)
I love it when an unexpected word of encouragement or simple kindness changes my focus and therefore changes my day. That happened to me recently when I was feeling lower than a bugs belly. Just a sweet comment. And she looked straight at me when she said it, her eyes smiling even before it reached her lips.
Someone I didn’t even know making an effort with me, and when she did, I swear the sun felt warmer and the day more hopeful. How could she have known what I needed?
Perhaps it was merely a tiny effort on her behalf or perhaps she was having a sad day too. Maybe her sweet words and her smile cost her something. Either way, she changed the course of my day.
I wondered if she’s simply a naturally kind person. I marvel at those kinds of people. I’m not one of them.
Or maybe shes more like me. If so, her effort would taken intentionality.
I’m being intentional today.
I’m going to behave so the aroma of my actions might enhance the general sweetness of someone’s atmosphere~
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Good thought Robin. Can you imagine the difference we would see if everyone decided to take this action? Can you imagine the difference the church would make if we made this type of action intentional…every day. Blows my mind to even think about it. Hope you have a great intentional day.
.-= Bill (cycleguy)´s last blog ..Mess of Me =-.
Love that quote. I’m writing it down, and posting it front and center. I like sweet atmospheres anytime!
I love that quote….I would love to make a vinyl of that and put that on my wall in my kitchen…or maybe as I am going out my front door…Words inspire me and speak to my heart! Have a great day…Robin
.-= Jennifer Clause´s last blog ..ALL THESE APPOINTMENTS….IT IS A PART-TIME JOB! =-.
I know exactly what you mean.
There is a song we sing at church that I try to pray every morning… “make of me your hands and feet. I want to be to the people around me what You want to be to the people around me.”
It is based on this beautiful prayer:
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
I’m going to behave so the aroma of my actions might enhance the general sweetness of someone’s atmosphere~
You do this all the time, at least for me through your blog. I TRY to live my life this way too. One day at a time. Each day is a new day. Every moment of the day you can START YOUR DAY OVER!!!!!! Isn’t that great!? XO, Pinky
When I read your post this morning Robin, it reminded me of a poem I read last week.
It was only a kindly word,
And a word that was lightly spoken,
Yet not in vain, for it stilled the pain
Of a heart that was nearly broken.
Every one needs a word of encouragement or kindness! There is also a Bible verse that goes a long this line too.
Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have strengthened the feeble knees. Job 4:4
Thanks for reminding us that a kind word goes a long way!!!
.-= Eileen´s last blog ..Sunshine! =-.
Sometimes its those simple acknowledgements, or a friendly smile from a stranger that can be so encouraging. And then I think there are those people that SEE you and connect because of something deeper.
Plus, you were open to receiving and I think that is essential too
Love the quote! Sweet post that will stay with me today
Love to you Robin!
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..What makes you… =-.
Ok I changed my mind… maybe this is my favorite! Love you to pieces!
you just never know, do you? i have the opportunity to practice this daily as a barista at Starbucks, and one day a woman told me that my demeanor had the power to change people’s day, and that i had had that effect on her more than once. WOW. it brought me to tears! so be intentional, even if you never know what good you’ve done. someone’s being blessed.
.-= jenn´s last blog ..Haitian Relief: One More Reason to BUY STAMPS NOW =-.
OhRobin…what a lovely thought for today and everyday! I’m going to be intentional today. I work with several students with special needs, and they so need ‘sweetness’.
I look forward each day to opening up your blog.
Thank you so much!
Ann
Love, love, love this post! Thanks!
Grins!
Pamm
.-= Pamm´s last blog ..Please pray . . . =-.
Hi Robin. This is such a beautiful post. I have a little book and have become sort of a collector of phases that I find sweet or profound. This is a new one to me . Thank you for sharing Thoreau’s, I’m off to post it in my book now.
I also love the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi that Stephanie posted. That is beautiful and I could learn to spend more time in that prayer.
Thank you. Hugs…Tracy
.-= Tracy @ Cotton Pickin’ Cute´s last blog ..Lots of Pictures – But Warning – It’s Not All Pretty =-.