A Simple Thank You
Making a big difference in a small way.
You know, when you’re at lunch talking over events with a friend and someone else enters your story? You are talking about them, but not in a “talking about” kind of way. I was reminded the other day that the conversations of others include me at times as well. Those are what I call other-side conversations.
Do you ever think about other-side conversations?
We are all in them. In my life, I’m sure I have been the villain, hero, comedic-relief and many other character roles in those across the table conversations. Unfortunately, my own choices and actions have caused me to be forever seared as a negative contribution or an obstacle to be overcome in those discussions for some. As I have grown, I have tried to do my part to make amends or at the least apologize for the hurt caused by my callous words or cruel actions. However, the truth is those apologies have been mostly to help me forgive myself because to the other person, that conversation has been long put to rest. If you know you have these ugly moments in your past and it is in your reach to apologize, I encourage you to do so. Yet, today I am talking about a different kind of other-side conversation.
Just a few days ago, my mom shared an email with me. There is a dear lady that made a huge impact on me in my teen years. I felt prompted many months ago to send her a little Hello and Thank You Note, but never expected or received a return response. So, when my mom randomly forwarded an email to me the other day, I paused to open it expecting a cute meme or family I-O-U update. What I found instead was a sweet reminder from an other-side conversation.
You see this same lady has a working relationship with my mom even though they are now states apart. In a recent email exchange there were a few sentences that reminded me just how important Hello and Thank You Notes can be. She not only mentioned that my note had been sent, but that it was a beautiful reminder to her of a time in life that she still cherishes to this day.
How neat is that?!
Even I, a once know-it-all-mean-girl that has grown into a more-I-learn-the-less-I-know woman, have been the topic of pleasant memories and fun days gone by in other-side conversations. On top of that, a note that I assumed had been lost in the mail was actually received and cherished inside a busy everyday life that needed the reminder of love and just hadn’t had the time (or need really) to respond.
This encouraged and reminded me that the more often I pour love and gratitude into others, the more likely it is that I add joy and peace to this world. Although this may not always circle back around for me to hear about, there is a wonderful sense of success knowing that in the mix of it all (bad hair days, messy kitchens, rough work days, sick children, and other sticky life situations) I had the privilege of being a bright spot.
You can be a bright spot too.
It does not have to be fancy. Just a simple email (or if you’re a real big spender, stick a card in the mail) to say Thank You, can make a lasting impact and add a sliver of joy to our very broken world. The more slivers of joy shared, the more likely we are to brighten the dark corners where hate, hurt and pain hide in the hearts of those around us.
written by Kelli Keller
