Previously posted in March 2007
One of the first signs of spring in Northern Utah, or should I say in my neck of the woods, is when I see my neighbor, Tim, out in her yard with her gardening gloves and one of her cute little hats on. I know that within a few days, I’ll also see these little beauties popping up in her front yard. Yesterday, on my afternoon walk... Voila! Winter is almost history. We’ll probably still get a few snow flurries, but it’s all good. We got six inches of snow on June 2 two years ago. But, it won’t be long until we hear the sound of lawn mowers way to early in the morning! We even grilled hotdogs tonight for dinner!
After dinner, we re-watched American Idol so that Doug could see it before the results. When Haley broke down at the positive comments made by Simon, just how close these young kids are to breaking down was so apparent. To put yourself out there in front of 30 million people for the soul purpose of being critiqued and judged, week after week, in hopes that you’ll not be forgotten ten minutes after it’s all over takes more courage than I think I could ever muster. (The next statement is an observation, not a spoiler.) I’m in absolute shock that Sanjaya has survived all that he has ... not because he was or wasn’t voted off but simply because he’s taken more flack than any Idol contestant that I can ever remember. He’s 17. He is inexperienced. I don’t care for his singing or his lack of stage presence, but, Simon was right when he said that he is brave! He’s smiled, week after week, song after song, bashing after bashing. I’d have left long before now. I don’t think I’d have what it takes to take that verbal lashing week after week - especially about something that is so personal and from the heart, such as the gift of singing that they’ve all been given.
The one thing that this has brought to mind, over and over, tonight, is that regardless of who we are or what we are doing in life, everyone needs to hear that kind word spoken directly to them! And so, tonight, these few questions become this week’s blog challenge:
- One of the kindest words ever spoken to you: A few weeks ago, Doug came into my scrapbook room, sat down and randomly said, "I think that a lot of people really consider me to be a lucky man." When I asked him why, he went on to say that it was because he was married to me. (I’ll spare the mushy details but it was really a tender moment and I felt very appreciated and loved.)
- The last kind word spoken to you: I’m speaking at a Relief Society Social next week and someone told me that they knew that I’d do a great job, no matter what I did or said because everything I do is above and beyond and always inspires people to do better. (I wish!!)
- The last kind word you spoke to someone else: I told Gracie that I was so proud of how she works so hard on her homework. She’s very self-motivated, where homework is concerned.
- Someone who always makes you feel special because they always have a kind word to say: Cheryl Downs, a neighbor, who’s been a hero of mine for decades. She always makes everyone feel as though they are the best friend, greatest example, most wonderful person that she’s ever met.)
- Someone (don’t name them because they may secretly read your blog, but tell about them) who needs a kind word but probably hasn’t had one in a while: Another person I know who is sort of cynical and acts as though her face would crack if she were to smile.
- Someone you commit to speak a kind word to before the day is over: I’m going to drop a little card in the mail to another neighbor who does an outstanding job at whatever she does but I honestly think that it often goes unnoticed because she’s not a front and center, in the limelight kind of person.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless.
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