Small and Simple Things

I remember years ago when I was a part-time janitor at BYU while I was going to school. It wasn't the greatest pay, but I worked with great people and I had the opportunity to greet people as they came into the Wilkinson Center early in the morning.

When I did greet people, I always tried to be cheerful. I would say "Good morning," and ask them how they were doing or tell them they looked nice, etc. I wasn't trying to "brown nose" or suck up, but I really meant what I said. After the brief greeting I'd go on my way, not really thinking about how my greeting affected people.

I found out one day, by surprise, that my greeting had affected someone. On of the staff members at the BYU bookstore would always come in early and if I was out cleaning or sweeping, I always greeted her in my usual manner. What I didn't know was that one of those days she was really feeling down and discouraged and my greeting lifted her, cheered her, and changed her whole outlook for the day. I had no idea until I came in to my bosses office a couple of days later and she handed me an small envelope with my name on it and told me someone had dropped it off for me. I opened it up and found a note from the bookstore staff member and some BYU bucks to use at the bookstore. In the note she thanked me for always greeting her and telling her she looked nice. She explained how she'd been feeling and how my simple greeting made her day.

I don't share this story to boast about myself. I share it merely as an example of how a small and simple act of kindness can make someones day. More than once I've been in a situation where I needed that simple act of kindness and been blessed to receive it. I'm sure you have too.

I hope you my readers have a great day. Thank you for being the wonderful people you are.