Monday, November 23, 2009

Simple Gestures

He always locks the door behind him as he leaves.

I'm still home, working within sight of the door, able to see anyone coming and going and yet my husband feels a need to lock it. It may just be habit. He probably doesn't even know he does it, but with one little twist of his wrist, he stirs up a sense of security in me, a feeling that he cares about what happens to his wife.

I ran into a woman at Walmart, a woman I have interacted with through the years, but not spent a lot time with. She had news to share and said, "I wanted you to hear it from me because you've been significant."

Wow. One sincere sentence touched me. Her words packed a big punch, making me feel special and appreciated.

Miss Innocent One is the queen of leaving little notes around the house. I find her little "I (heart) you, Mom" notes all over the place--on pieces of scratch paper I have sitting by my computer, on a notepad resting on my nightstand, in my e-mail inbox, even in her assignment book I sign each day for school. It never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Making people feel valued is not hard. Each of these acts required less than a few seconds to complete, yet built me up for hours. It really is that simple to touch a life. A pat on an arm, a thoughtful question , a listening ear, even a comment on Facebook can buoy a lagging spirit.

What can you do to show others they are loved and valued? What simple gesture will speak volumes for you today?

3 comments:

Jaime Kubik said...

Loved this and PERFECT timing for Thanksgiving! Great reminder too - if we appreciate simple gestures others will too!

Vintage Whimsy Studio said...

Great post, Tami! I also have a husband who shows that he treasures me, and it is such a blessing ;o) Thanks for sharing this sweet post. Nina

Vicki said...

Tami, I value YOU, dear friend.