My favorite Luther story (from R. Bainton) is the neighbors laughing at Luther because he was washing his children's diapers outdoors. He responded, "You may laugh, but the angels look at me and bless me."
There are so many ways to get irritated, and so many to delight.
The neighbors, mother and girls, decided to write out cards - in great detail - about their love of roses during the season, with artwork included. I did not know how much that meant to them because they were always near to take a vase and exchange more fresh flowers. I should have remembered, because women and girls easily respond to flowers. Later I saw how much that meant to them - in great detail.
The equivalent is having students (online and the old-fashioned) who take the time to say a class was very much worthwhile. Members and friends are like that, too.
Quoting Luther in another post, we should be looking out for those we are inclined to stink-eye or ignore. We can improve matters on our part, but stink-eye and ignoring will never build upon trust, humor, misunderstanding, and many more ways to improve rather than disapprove.
I have had odd experiences on the cul-de-sac. One person did not respond to roses for a long time, then waved in a friendly way. After that, there were more friendly gestures.
One tough veteran said, "I don't need roses." I said, "They are for your sainted mother, not you." He took that well. Some people need a lot of softening before something worthwhile happens. There is so much opportunity and not enough time. It is better to overcome the barrier and create some cheerfulness.
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| Christina loved seeing a paraplegic and listening to him through his special computer. She was always reaching out to people will special needs. |
