The rain and the temperature fell throughout the day, and it felt more like winter than fall. Despite the less than ideal weather, it was a good day to have a good day. So, that is exactly what I did, and here are three of the things for which I am grateful for on this good day:
Spotting a rainbow. During my morning commute, the sun was pushing through the clouds, and the darkness was giving way to the light. With the sun trying to regain control of the sky, rain continued to fall lightly. As I drove, lost in thought and music, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a big, beautiful rainbow. I have never given much thought to rainbows, so, I was surprised to find myself smiling and tearing up simultaneously, and I felt a warm blend of happiness and peace. It was an unexpected and sweet way to begin my day.
Arriving at work to a warm welcome. Most people assume that working at a day shelter for homeless men must be depressing, and while I have stories that would make you cry until you felt like the tears would never stop, I have stories that would make you laugh until you cry uncontrollably. There is a lot of joy and love there, and the gentlemen always make sure that my day begins with a smile, as they greet me with kind words and grins. It is nice to feel welcomed and appreciated, and they are the reason I smile ear to ear every day.
Lunch. Well, to be more precisely, lunch with Frank, our seventy year old Plant Manager. Every day, Frank and I meet at 12:30 p.m. in the staff break room for lunch, which is one of the highlights of my day. We eat, chat, and laugh, and I always come away from lunch with a full stomach and an even fuller heart. Today, Frank surprised me with chili from our favorite local place, and he topped it off with a Twinkie. It seriously doesn’t get much better than that!
It was an ordinary day, yet it felt simply extraordinary in so many ways.
The shift of seasons is the eternity of nature.
The sun of our soul warms the surrounding coldness and spreads light to the gloominess of the grey days. The sun naps for rising newly, the stars fade in order to beaming afresh.
The beads of rain clean the mirror of the sky and spill the shudder of the clouds. It’s worth passing through the rain for the sake of rainbow.
Kristi, my guess is your smile and willingness to help elicits that warm welcome. If you walked in with a sour expression, given your bank of smiles over time, people would likely be empathetic. Yet, if someone who is a frowner walks in without a smile, they would get a less warm reception. This is my long way of saying you help create the environment of joy and that is a credit to you that we each could learn from. If we want it to be a good day, we have the power to make it happen. BTG
That is one of the nicest compliments that you give me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I believe that the guys deserve our best, and so, I do my best to always smile, make eye contact, listen, and speak to them. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and to do our best to meet their various needs, understanding that they come to us with a variety of challenges and trauma. They are special indeed, and I am so fortunate to be a small part of their journey.
My pleasure. People just wanted to be noticed as human beings regardless of their situation. You understand that all too well. Have a great weekend. BTG
Many thanks! All people want to be loved and accepted, and that is what I try my best to do with the gentlemen at work. If anyone deserves it, they do indeed.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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Priceless…you are indeed blessed. I would love to work at the day center and see those smiles every day….
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Sheila, those smiles are a definite perk:)
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The shift of seasons is the eternity of nature.
The sun of our soul warms the surrounding coldness and spreads light to the gloominess of the grey days. The sun naps for rising newly, the stars fade in order to beaming afresh.
The beads of rain clean the mirror of the sky and spill the shudder of the clouds. It’s worth passing through the rain for the sake of rainbow.
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That is so beautiful, and I thank you for sharing it!
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This is good. Thanks.
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Thank you; I am so happy that you like it!
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Great idea ~ I am reblogging on Well Bless My Soul
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Thanks, as I am thrilled that you liked this and appreciate that you reblogged it, too!
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Reblogged this on Well Bless My Soul and commented:
Looks like a great idea for some creative gratitude ~
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I love rainbows!!!
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I do now, as this one was gorgeous!
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Oh it’s great when they are all gorgeous and all full with colour =)
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Kristi, my guess is your smile and willingness to help elicits that warm welcome. If you walked in with a sour expression, given your bank of smiles over time, people would likely be empathetic. Yet, if someone who is a frowner walks in without a smile, they would get a less warm reception. This is my long way of saying you help create the environment of joy and that is a credit to you that we each could learn from. If we want it to be a good day, we have the power to make it happen. BTG
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That is one of the nicest compliments that you give me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I believe that the guys deserve our best, and so, I do my best to always smile, make eye contact, listen, and speak to them. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and to do our best to meet their various needs, understanding that they come to us with a variety of challenges and trauma. They are special indeed, and I am so fortunate to be a small part of their journey.
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My pleasure. People just wanted to be noticed as human beings regardless of their situation. You understand that all too well. Have a great weekend. BTG
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Many thanks! All people want to be loved and accepted, and that is what I try my best to do with the gentlemen at work. If anyone deserves it, they do indeed.
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Reblogged this on Listonberries and commented:
I love this!
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Thanks a lot, and it really does mean a great deal to me that you loved this and wanted to reblog it!
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An ordinary day….but, not really. So lovely.
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Many thanks for reading this and for sharing your warm comments, and I hope that you had a lovely day, as well!
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