Someone said something to me this week that really stood out.
Across the Lewvan from my house is a Bible School that very generously allows me to borrow books to use when I need to work on papers for my own schooling. I had been there the other day and picked out a few books for this next monster of a paper, and the librarian had stepped out for a moment; another teacher tried to help me out, but I was just a community member - I'm not surprised she couldn't figure out the system. That was no big deal, I would just go back later.
A few days later I went to rescue my books from cluttering the shelf behind their desk, and waited a few minutes for the librarian, who was nowhere to be seen. The library was full of students, and then their teacher showed up, walked over to me with a shake of her head and before she even got to the desk said, "I can't help you!"
I immediately felt guilty for putting her in a position of such anxiety! I didn't expect her to know how to use the system; maybe she might have known the answer to a simple "Do you know when the librarian might get back?" which, yes, would have been helpful. I felt sorry for this lady who maybe I just caught at a bad time, but who apparently didn't know that TRYING to be helpful even if you couldn't actually help makes life quite a bit nicer for the people in your path.
Moral of the story: A smile and a "Can I help you?" goes a long way. Even if you don't work there.
(This was first published on my church blog.)
4 comments:
I am enjoying your blog! Just found out on facebook that you had one!
Hmmm...
And maybe the lesson goes both ways. Perhaps the words "I can't help you" indicate that she herself is in need of a little grace, a friendly ear, and a little "help". Helping those people might make them a little more friendly and a little more capable of helping others...
A smile and a pleasant tone of voice are more powerful than we imagine, even and especially in difficult situations. Love you.
Hi Carolyn. We have so much in common! It's so nice to find someone who has my same life activities and beliefs. About your post...i guess people can't give what they don't have. Unfortunately, courtesy, love, and kindness are not sought after by everyone--sad.
I am SO following your blog =)
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