Simple Gestures

Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd. – Rumi

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I have a quote from Rumi posted near my desk at work. It helps me find my center each morning.  And, it reminds me of the purpose of each day.

“Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd” – Rumi

Yesterday, I was more of a step-ladder… but it still felt good.

Yesterday, I helped a work acquaintance with the simplest of gestures, a ride back to a restaurant where she had forgotten her wallet.  In doing so I learned that she’d been upset about more than just forgetting her wallet.  We chatted, commiserated, laughed and rejoined our work colleagues who were going to see a movie.

We have all been there when on some given day someone has turned our challenging moment into a moment of relief. Some small catalyst of change…a kind word, a reassuring hug or a shared laugh…has changed our perspective and moved us to a more positive reaffirmation of the moment we are going through.

I have been offered lamps, lifeboats and ladders. The kindness of others has taught me about reaching out. But here’s the thing, being a ladder for someone else, lifts your heart as well!

My work acquaintance has become a friend. A simple gesture turned a nice evening into a very nice evening and an acquaintance into a friend.

Sarah Heffernan is a writer, a mom, and more recently,  a nana to one adorable toddler. By trade, she is a speech-language pathologist. She writes about her life and work and experiences, with a “blue sky” perspective in mind. Read her blog here, at Blue Skies Over New England.

We invite you to share a story about yourself or another person, reflecting on the question: “How has gratefulness shifted a moment, an experience, or a lifetime?”