Courtesy

Like magic...warmth and kindness brighten the day.

The day began with a heavy cloud over me. I was dwelling on what needs to change and the problems that abound. As I read about courtesy I saw that my mood, if left unchecked, could spread like poison to my speech and behaviour and ruin this beautiful day for everyone. I resolved to take time to ensure that my words would be kind, tactful and gracious otherwise I would not say anything, until I could be assured of this outcome. Saturday activities are my favourite. I love the farmers market and meeting the community. It is an activity that I share with my husband. It seemed though that a similar cloud was also looming over him. I wanted to react and say snap out of it but remembered my pledge. I smiled and offered cheerful comments to him hoping to dispel the cloud. My own cloud was ever present and as I played uplifting music in the car I listened to the messages of turning toward God and knowing that there is power in this that makes everything that I am feeling insignificant. When we got home my husband received an email that had the effect of blowing away our clouds and the sun shone. I have proof of this quotation...

"See ye not, Courtesy is the true alchemy, turning to gold all it touches and tries?" ~ George Meredith - The Song of Courtesy