A Kindness Remembered

Yesterday was my first day of work after a long weekend that included taking care of my granddaughter and her dog as well as enjoying an evening of rock and roll with some friends.  My day off was full of tasks I wanted and needed to get done but never seemed to have the time.  My first day of work was a little stressful due to a lack of work.  I seemed to meet myself coming and going during the morning hours so it was afternoon before I could finally take a few laps around the office.  While walking my well-worn path someone approached me with the gift of a book they thought I would appreciate.  The book is titled The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.  The Tao is basically a kind of Chinese philosophy.  Pooh, of course, is Winnie the Pooh.  My oldest son’s baby nursery was decorated in a Winnie the Pooh motif. I feel certain that is not unique.  While talking to the lady that gave me the book, she mentioned that she had never forgotten a kindness I showed her in her early days at Humana.  Although I remembered the lady, I did not recall the kindness.  Kindness is like a seed you plant.  It may someday grow into a tree under whose shade you will never sit.  On the other hand it may also provide some shade or perhaps a cool breeze on a day you really need it.  Although yesterday was not a terrible day, it was nice to hear that I once was nice to someone that needed it and they still remember it.  No matter how much kindness you give a way, it is never lost.  It may circle the globe but eventually it will find its way back to you.  So will meanness, so remember that too.  You get what you give so put goodness into the world.