Thursday, April 12, 2007

CASTING STONES


I woke up this morning, grumpy, snarling, grimacing. I snapped at the kids as I sent them out the door to catch the bus. I seen as they walked out, the frustrated look upon their faces. They climbed onto their bus, one of them stubbing their toe causing them to fall up the steps of the bus instead of climbing up the steps of the bus. The bus driver chuckled and made a comment, but my son didn't think it funny and snapped back at him, sassing him, which he never does. My daughter made it to her locker at school, in a hurry she couldn't get the combination correct. She thumped it good with her books. Later that night, the bus driver was at home sitting down for supper. His grandaughter was slow in answering the call to come eat. This act reminded the bus driver of the sassy student he had that morning. The bus driver reacted a little too harsh toward his grandaughter when retrieving her for supper. The bus drivers wife, surprised by the sudden "hateful turn" of her husband snapped at him for being so hateful. Which in turn caused an arguement between the two. My son and daughter both had a bad day, and so did everyone they came in contact with. The next day I vowed to make up for the day before. I awoke the children, in the background I had praise and worship music playing softly. We laughed and joked. Finally the bus arrived. We waved and blew kisses in secret so no one knew what we were doing, saving embarassement of course. Hoppin on the bus they greeted the driver with an energetic "Goodmorning!" In turn the bus driver wished them both a goodmorning. With smiles and waves, everyone they met caught their contagious good spirit. The bus driver was in the bank in a long line, when he finally got his turn. The cashier frowning because of the "rush rush" attitude of everyone, coldly asked, "What can I do for you?" Smiling the driver said, "Isn't it a beautiful day out?" Then proceeded with his business. The cashier looked at him, with the smile radiating from his face and she couldn't help but smile herself. It brightened her day soooo much she greeted every customer with a smile and a, "Isn't it a gorgeous day out today, how may I help you?", the rest of that day. Casting a stone in a body of water makes a ripple effect that carries on farther than we can possibly see. And so does our attitude, the good the bad and the ugly too. Let's cast our stones in the water, but let our stones be those of encouragement, love, understanding and friendship. Our world needs a good friend.

9 comments:

La Tea Dah said...

OH yes, so true and what an awesome reminder that even little things really count and have far-reaching effects upon those around us.

I hope you enjoy an AWESOME day!

Nancy Jo said...

CARRY JOY WHERE EVER YOU GO, ITS NOT THAT HEAVY.
NANCY JO

Unknown said...

SO very true Mikki, and such a sweet reminder, thanks!! I think alot of us are in funk, blame it on the weather, it keeps teasing us with spring! We all need a week of sunshine and flowers!

Kim Campbell said...

Awesome story with a great message. I love your writings, Mikki!

It takes more muscles to frown than smile!!

Cape Cod Washashore said...

This is soooo true. How many times have I regretted the silly little arguments my kids and I sometimes have in the morning. If I walk back to the house from the bus stop feeling badly, my kids on the bus are also feeling badly, and taking it with them to school. Happiness really is infectious!

Portrait of Peter said...

Indeed a story that we should all try to emulate - each and every day.

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story and a delightful photo too.

Lena said...

You've expressed this in a beautiful way. We all need to learn to be gentle with ourselves and one another.

Susan said...

I love the picture that you used to depicts the message you wrote. Very good. We all truly need to remember "But I will sing of they power yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the mornings:" Psalms 59:16a KJV

Mary L. Briggs said...

Great post, Mikki Jo! WE so often forget how our attitude or one discourging word can continue on from person to person throughout the day. Thanks for the reminder!