A Little Word of Kindness

Somebody made me smile today. She gave me an encouraging word. It didn't cost her anything, and it really didn't take much time. But her thoughtfulness lifted me up and made my day.

All too often, we get so preoccupied with our own lives that we hardly think of others. I have found that those times when we are experiencing troubles can be the best times to look outside of ourselves. When we are thinking of others, we forget about our own worries and struggles. And in the process of encouraging someone else, we are blessed.

My mother always had a way of encouraging others. A pastor's wife, Sunday school teacher, chalk-talk artist, girl scout leader, and mother of five, she rarely thought of herself. But she always had a cheerful countenance. In blessing others, her own life was enriched. When she was young, she wrote poetry. Some of her poems were lighthearted; others were more profound. But they were a true reflection of who she was. I hope that this little poem might be a blessing to you today.

A little word of kindness

From your heart to a loving friend,

May lead in his worldly blindness

To a better, more glorious end.

A little smile of gladness

From your lips to a comrade true,

Will banish all his sadness,

And cheer him the whole day through.

A little deed from your helping hand

To make a burden lighter,

Kind words, true smiles, and little deeds

Will make your life grow brighter.

Wilma N. Gibson, 1935