Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest co

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia

Have you ever shared something happening to yourself or to someone in your family with another person and heard the response, “I’ll keep you in my prayers?” Since my family is dealing with a serious illness to one of our members, I hear this quite a bit, and I always appreciate the possibility that in this busy, hectic world, someone might take the time to give thought to what we are dealing with, and offer a prayer on our behalf.

Expressing our concern for others, regardless of their need, can have a significant impact on their lives that we often underestimate. Early in my teaching career, I had a troubled student, who at the end of the school year told me that my welcoming her to class every day was what motivated her to overcome her dislike for school, and come to class. I have never forgotten that student, and how much my simple greeting meant to her. I would like to recommend that we all give thought to how our acts of caring impact others, no matter how big or small they might be. You will never know how much your caring means to others, and how you might have touched another life. Give it a try, all it costs is a moment of your time.