It is the grease that lubricates the meshing gears of interpersonal contact and relationships with strangers, friends, and family. Our courtesy to others can be as a pebble thrown into a pond of still water causing ripples that spread out through space and time.

A couple of years ago I was at my 40th high school reunion and a former classmate, long since slipped from my memory, recounted a story from our senior year. Unbeknownst to me, and against her father’s wishes, I drove his pickup truck and with her we collected wood for a big bonfire at the high school.

Upon our return her father was waiting, and I stepped out of his truck and extended my hand to introduce myself, and thanked him for the use of his truck to collect the firewood for the school. This was a small, unremarkable moment it might seem. Yet, 40 years later her father still remembered me, remembered that moment, and on occasion would inquire after me so memorable was that experience for him.

Hmmmm . . . our actions and our words are as ripples out through time.

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written by Nonymouse, January 23, 2012

Well, yes, he probably figured he was shaking the hand of his future son-in-law.

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