June 1, 2011 Wednesday: 6th Week of Easter (A)
Make Others Feel Important
from The Hidden Power of Kindness by Fr. Lawrence G. Lovasik
If you want to make friends, go out of your way to do things for other people--things that require time, energy, unselfishness, and thoughtfulness. Greet people enthusiastically and sincerely. A man's name is to him the most important sound in his language. One of the simplest ways of gaining good will is by remembering names and making people feel important. Take the time and energy necessary to concentrate and fix names indelibly in your mind.
Make other people feel important, and do it sincerely. If you are so selfish that you cannot radiate a little happiness and pass on a bit of honest appreciation without trying to get something out of the other person in return, you will meet with failure. The only return you should try to get out of someone is the feeling that you have done a favor for him without his being able to do anything whatever in return for you. That is a feeling that lingers in your memory long after the incident has passed.
There is a law that, if obeyed, will bring you countless friends and constant happiness. Jesus taught it centuries ago and summed up in one sentence: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." (Matt 7:12) You want the approval of those with whom you come in contact. You want recognition of your true worth. You do not want to listen to cheap, insincere flattery, but you crave sincere appreciation. So obey the Golden Rule, and do for others what you would have others do for you--always and everywhere.
from The Hidden Power of Kindness by Fr. Lawrence G. Lovasik
Make other people feel important, and do it sincerely. If you are so selfish that you cannot radiate a little happiness and pass on a bit of honest appreciation without trying to get something out of the other person in return, you will meet with failure. The only return you should try to get out of someone is the feeling that you have done a favor for him without his being able to do anything whatever in return for you. That is a feeling that lingers in your memory long after the incident has passed.
There is a law that, if obeyed, will bring you countless friends and constant happiness. Jesus taught it centuries ago and summed up in one sentence: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." (Matt 7:12) You want the approval of those with whom you come in contact. You want recognition of your true worth. You do not want to listen to cheap, insincere flattery, but you crave sincere appreciation. So obey the Golden Rule, and do for others what you would have others do for you--always and everywhere.
