The second week of Advent is about the messenger. Recently I was listening to a Podcast about our life’s travel creating ripples in all we do. As a child, I would throw rocks into a body of water and watch the ripples form and expand outward. They slowly moved out of my vision.
“Mom, where do they go?”
“To the far shore to touch another.”
Not only do we send out ripples but the people we meet, even briefly, send out ripples that impact us. This happens each day along our journey.
Another image to consider, we are standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Our experiences are influenced by family, friends and even strangers.
I referred to my great aunt as, “Squirrely Pearl.” I thought she was mean and cross with my brothers. As I matured and helped Aunt Pearl in her later years, I learned that she had lost her husband, Gus, at an early age. They had no children. Pearl may have been overwhelmed with five active children. When I would drive her to shop for groceries, Pearl was an interesting engaging person. She could retell many stories of growing up in Canada.
The most ripples are felt in interactions with our spouses. Listening and repeating the information you hear, can avert miscommunication.
“Honey, I can’t find my phone.” Is better that saying, “Did you take my phone.”
The former can start a conversation. The latter can lead to an argument.
I have try to listen, feel and contemplate before acting. In our busy lives, this is not always easy to do. I try not to answer before I think through the situation. I may even ask if we can put off a reply until later that day.
When meeting people in a store or on the street, I smile and try to look at their face. A nod or “hello” sends and receives a ripple of recognition of a fellow traveler.
What message are your actions telling others? What do you perceive their reactions are telling you? We can make a difference, one person at a time. A small stone thrown into a pond creates ripples that will help or hurt. Create ripples of kindness.
Ripples
“Carol, don’t throw those snowballs at your brother.”
“But Craig started it.”
” Throw the snowballs in this bucket.”
“That’s no fun!”
” Whoever fills their bucket with snowballs can help me with the fireplace.”
My throwing improved as I vied for the coveted place on the hearth.”
carolaspot@aol.com
traveling up and down the blind highway 