People can help make your day better and they can also make your day more difficult.  When I am looking for employment, people are what make the difference in my desire to become a part of the company. 

For years I remember frequenting a local business that made my kids and me uncomfortable, therefore we only went when necessary.  My kids had no idea that I shared their disapproval of how the employees treated their customers.  Most of the employees were simply unkind and unhappy.

Recently we had reason to revisit the location.  I called ahead to get some information and the person who answered the phone was fantastic.  I almost thought I had the wrong number. 

On the way to the business, I reminded my kids of our past experiences and asked them to be kind if the people were rude.  I told them I had a great phone conversation with one person so maybe things have changed over the past few years.

Much to our delight, everything about our experience was fantastic.  Everyone that came through the door was greeted warmly.  The employees were kind, attentive, and helpful.  They continued to be nice despite some not-so-wonderful attitudes from customers.  They were not angry when things did not go as planned and they adapted well. 

Things were so different from what my kids and I remembered.  I asked the woman how long she worked for the business.  Her reply was, “Two years.” I complimented all the workers on their customer service and said that we had not always experienced this level of kindness. 

The woman went on to say that they had some recent retirements and that all the staff get along very well.  The difference was evident from the moment we walked into the business, the difference was the people.

When I connect socially outside of work, I normally am drawn to people who appreciate and respect others without judgment.  Upon occasion, I hear myself start to get off track.  I get wrapped up in a conversation that is judgmental and I start to feel uncomfortable. 

I don’t like myself when I spread gossip.  When I am involved in that type of conversation I politely excuse myself before I find that I am contributing to the unproductive conversation. 

When your heart is focused on loving others, it is much easier to be nonjudgmental.  Kindness and love help one realize that we don’t know all that is going on in everyone’s life.  Tough to judge people without walking in their shoes.  If we choose love, it makes it much easier to be understanding and appreciative. 

Much needed attention and love go a long way in helping people believe in themselves.  I am always grateful for the encouragement and hope that I reciprocate love and encouragement to others.  When love, kindness, attention, and encouragement are withheld, people become withdrawn and less likely to succeed.      

Focusing on love for all people makes praying for people a natural next step.  Silent prayer is a great way to provide encouragement to people without making them feel uncomfortable.  I much prefer praying for the inconsiderate person than allowing myself to get irritated over the situation.  I again remind myself that I have no idea what that person’s life is like on a daily basis. 

After prayer comes peace.  I like to pray until I feel my body release the stress and give it to Jesus.  Peace is an important part of my life.  I am uncomfortable when I am not at peace.  For me, prayer brings peace.

Love people, appreciate people, pray for people and peace.   

Click here to stay connected.