“Spinach for Breakfast”
I know we all can’t be Google but we can consider doing something Google does. Google surprises me in little ways as they occasionally celebrate others with a change in their iconic logo. Opening up my browser to find this new little spin on their logo makes me happy.
I freely admit in the grand scheme of things it’s a small thing. But in relationships the small things are most often the biggest things of all. The small things can also be the most neglected, the easiest to overlook, put off, or just dismiss.
NOT TODAY! Today I will do some small things to serve the people around me….and I’ll try not to let them catch me doing it! I’ll start by eating my spinach…. something my Mom seldom saw me do as a child, but if she could see me now…she’d be so proud. Then, powered up like Popeye…I’ll dive into the dishes and dirty laundry before my flight out today, so my wife Rebecca can focus on other things. Then…. I might buy a hot chocolate for the person behind me at Starbucks….or give up my first class seat to a soldier coming home…or ….. or WOW the possibilities are endless. But first I need to POWER UP…, I need to start with “Spinach for Breakfast” YUM!’
Kirk
December 8th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
I think we often feel put off doing something until we have more time, energy or money, but gestures do not have to be big to be meaningful. Often the smallest acts of kindness are the most meaningful. You never know what a person may be going through and how what you do may give them the boost they need to get through the day. There are countless opportunities every day to do small thoughtful things. If they go unnoticed or unrecognized, no harm done, BUT you never know you just might make someone’s day! So why not take the chance?
December 8th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Heavy rains in town yesterday left normal routes to work impassable — curses, I was late to work already, and now I would be even later! Finally arriving in the parking lot, I observed a young woman, backpack in tow, dejectedly walking from a far corner of the lot. As I collected my briefcase, she approached and asked the easiest way to walk to the next trolley stop. Hmmm…the water had cut off two normally easy routes, so the “nearest” stop would be at least a mile away. “That’s OK,” she signed, “I’ve just been walking to find a way around, and I’m a bit tired right now, but I appreciate your directions.” Well, I’m already late, why not just be a bit later! “Climb in, I’ll drive you to the trolley stop,” I suggested. Warily, she lifted her backpack into the back, saying “I usually don’t get in cars with strangers.” “That’s OK,” I responded, “I usually don’t invite strangers into my car!” The ride to the trolley stop was brief, just long enough to exchange first names, and know that she was pursuing an elusive book she needed for a college class later today. OK — I was late to work — but the little act of kindness today did not require me to eat any spinach, thank goodness!!
December 8th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I love your ideas on what to do to serve and the key part… try and do it without it being noticed.
True service doesn’t seek glory.
Daniel
December 9th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Thanks Kirk for the reminder. My Spinach is a little time of reflection each morning for all that I have been given - even if at this moment it’s getting 6 grandchildren who are spending 2 weeks at the house ready for school. It’s nice to count up the blessings and start each day with a recharge!