Parents do strange things for their kids. Why else would we sing 87 verses of the wheels of the bus? We do them out of love, or guilt, procrastination, or boredom. Today’s Christmas for many of us around the world. A day some parents flash the cash to awe children with expensive gifts, while others have been going without for months to afford to put meat on the table for one day this year. I’m not really talking about Christmas today, nor am I really concerned with parents. Instead, I’ve been thinking about the things we do for each other, both big and small and sometimes how the tiniest actions are the greatest, while the grand gestures fall flat.

Fiction Bite - Braving the storm

He stepped out, the pounding rain plastering his lined shirt against his body. The bright afternoon had descended into gloom. Lightning flared, strobing the street. He spotted a flash of red washing towards the gutter and plunged into the river running down the street. His hands clasped on a leg and he lifted the sodden one-handed teddy above his head. A cheer erupted, Anie beaming with glee in her mother's arms, tears still drying on her face, a fluffy arm clasped in her hand.

Quote of the Week

"One small action of love can do far, far more for a soul than all the most beautiful words in the world." Eileen Caddy.

An exercise

What small act of love can you do today? Tomorrow? Every day this week? Maybe it’s making a cup of tea, a compliment, or simply a smile.

Final Words

When I worked in retail, I noticed how little people smile. They might give you a tight-lipped grimace, but genuine smiles were sparse. But when they came, they lifted the shift and improved my whole day, because they made me feel valued, human, rather than a poorly paid service machine. Of all the things that can change a person, I think a smile is the cheapest and the most effective.

With Love and smiles.

Joe

P.S. What did you think of this week’s email? Which was your favourite bit? Hit reply and let me know.