A Little Bit Helps…

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver                                                        Proverbs 25:11

I was just listening to a podcast while walking today. The podcaster interviewed a social science researcher about “little kindnesses”. She remarked that while on a plane trip with her daughter, they were very tight in their schedule for a connecting flight. They needed to exit the plane quickly, get to their gate, and pray that they had made it in time. I am guessing that at one time or another, we all have been in that situation.

She noted that she and her daughter pushed ahead of other rows in the plane’s aisle, begging forgiveness of those in seats ahead of them, explaining the situation. Almost all were very accommodating and let them pass. But one older gentleman ahead of them would have none of it. He reminded them that “people wait their turn for those in rows ahead of them”. He did not let them pass.

This of course was infuriating for the woman relating the story. Then she talked it out with her podcast guest, and he told her of the research which indicates that we tend to remember the incidences of discourtesy or a sense of injustice dealt by others much more than the series of kindnesses we experience.

He pointed out the research of John Gottman, a noted authority on marriage counseling and restoration. Gottman indicates it may take about five acts of kindness and active positive interactions in order to overcome the effects of one or two rude or insensitive interactions.   

When we are dealing with strangers- store clerks, people on planes, phone operators, etc. small acts of kindness are very powerful. It might be one of those five or so that they need to overcome one of those insensitive interactions from others.

During this Christmas season, I am especially keeping that in mind.  

Prayer: Lord, keep us in mind of those little things that are big helps, Amen