Can you relate to the words “Quiet Desperation?  Can you remember a time, for one reason or another, when you wondered if you would emotionally make it?  I have to confess, there have been circumstances that set my life in an fervent a tail spin… one being…  a long and painful divorce.   There were times  when I wondered how I was going to make it through the day.

One  morning, when I was drowning in grief,  a small knock came at door.  Not wanting to see anyone, the tapping was ignored.  When it was realized that the person was not going to give up, the door was opened.

A neighbor, who lived some distance away, was standing there with a look of concern on her face.  In her hand, she held a small porcelain bird.  When she handed it to me, all she said was,  “Put this little bird in a place where you can see it every day and know that you are loved.”  She gave me a hug, quickly turned and walked away.

I closed the door and wept… not because of my circumstances but…  because I was so touched to know that someone was aware I was in pain.   The  little bird sat on a shelf in my dressing area for many years, as a reminder that someone cared.  Many hours have been spent  times marveling at the healing power of a little bird.   My neighbor offered very few words…. no words of advice… no sympathy… just a small gesture to let me know I was in her thoughts.

If you’re like me, sometimes I get caught up in thinking that I have to do some great deed…  or offer great words of wisdom… or give suggestion on how to fix the problem in order to show someone they are cared about.    For the most part, it’s the small tokens of concern, with out much  comment,  that are valued the most.

On this particular, Friday  I have made some simple suggestions  that can be done to extend thoughts and caring  to a family member, a friend, a co-worker or neighbor.  I know you could add to this list.

1.  Send a card  in the mail or sneak a “thinking of you note” on a co-worker’s desk.  2.  Give someone a hug, without saying a word.  3.  Offering to take a neighbors kids for an afternoon.  4.  Call, and treat a friend to lunch. (just listen… no advice.)  5.  Asking about a ill child or family member.  Acknowledging a deed well done by way of e-mail, a card or phone call.  6.  Shovel a neighbor’s walk.   7.  Drop off a pot of soup to a neighbor that has has a stressful week.  8.  Simply smile at someone who looks distressed.  9.  Help a young mother unload her groceries into her car so she can attend to a crying child quickly.

Do you remember a time when someone did a small thing  for you that made a great difference in your life?

On this,  Friday, share your “Good” thoughts in the comments area of this post.  Also, post some  deeds or ideas on your own blog so we can can catch your spirit.   Use this Friday, to think and do “Only The Good.”

I’m in the process of setting up a program that will make it a bit  easier for you to share your thoughts and ideas and deeds for “Only The Good” Friday.

Blessings!

Kathy Griffiths

Insightful Nana

P.S.  Imagine what would happen in our neighborhoods if every blogger  participated in “Only The Good” Friday and offered a kind deed to a friend or neighbor.

P.P.S.  I found several “Way To Go” cards at the grocery store that I am mailing today!