March 28, 2014 – Thought and Poem When I was in my early teens, - TopicsExpress

March 28, 2014 – Thought and Poem When I was in my early teens, I remembered a man had knocked on the front door to our house. When I answered the front door, my father towering above me and standing behind me asked the man what he wanted. He had mentioned that he was hungry. While my father stood on the porch talking with the fellow, he had directed me to go to the kitchen and make the man a sandwich. Ours was a humble home, nothing fancy and in fact, it was probably the oldest house on our street. With many children to feed, there really wasn’t extra money at the end of the week, but he did not waste a moment in making the man comfortable on the porch while I made his sandwich. After wrapping the sandwich in wax paper, I brought it to him with a bottle of soda. With a big smile and the sandwich in his hand, he thanked us and walked down the stairs. I never say the man again. Today, I think about all the people who are hungry in the world around me and I wonder what happened over the last 50 years or so that caused people to lose the “love” they should have for their neighbor. Now even though today I may not just open my door and invite strangers into my home, I am going to make it a point to find ways to expand my own dreams to show more kindness to those around me. I am going to be more attuned to their needs and at least offer to help if I can.. What about you? How far do you think an act of kindness could go? Share your thoughts with us…Jeanne Claire Probst An Act of Kindness? I wasn’t born rich and famous, but I do desire to succeed, So I am always looking for new ways that will help me to fulfill many of my dreams. I may not be important to all people in the world and I don’t plan to ever be, As I am content with who I have become, this is the most important thing me. I don’t need a fancy car, or a large mansion type home, But I know I could be happy in any space I will live and will find ways to make it my own. And everyone that comes to my door, Will know they will find some peace, as I will have a “welcome” mat by my front door. If you come with a need, I will do my best to help you out if I can, If you want to talk, I will listen and try to understand. I will not pry into your affairs and make you tell me more than you want to tell, And I won’t gossip about your situation, I will keep what you say to me, to myself. I want nothing more than for all people have everything they need, And for them to also be able to follow their dreams. All of us should keep an open mind and be willing to help when we can, Respect for each other and acts of kindness can go a long way to soothe the hearts of our neighbors and friends.. Jeanne Claire Probst wintertreeproductions