I like to memorize poetry with my children. I want to fill their minds with beautiful thoughts that will come to them as they go throughout their day; thoughts that will help them to make good choices, thoughts that will make them smile or laugh when they do not have much to smile or laugh about, thoughts that will uplift their spirits and inspire them to do good in the world.
A favorite poem of mine that we have memorized is called, simply, "Kindness." (anonymous author) It goes like this.
Drop a stone into the water -
In a moment it is gone,
But there are a hundred ripples
Circling on and on and on.
Say an unkind word this moment
In a moment it is gone
But there are a hundred ripples
Circling on and on and on.
Say a word of cheer and splendor
In a moment it is gone
But there are a hundred ripples
Circling on and on and on.
I've been thinking a lot this week about a family that we know and love so much. Jerry and I met them when we moved into their ward. We'd only been married a year. After living in the ward less than a year, we were blessed to move into the house right next door to theirs.
In the 5 years that we lived there this family was a blessing in our lives and the ripples that their kind words and loving examples began are still being felt in our family today. Jerry and I watched this wonderful man and woman as they nurtured their marriage through going to the temple together, and went on regular dates. We watched as they raised their children, making sure that their children played together, worked together and served together. We watched as they faithfully took their older children to do baptisms for the dead at the temple. We were blessed by their daughters as they babysat every week for us so that we too could have dates and regular temple visits. They would never let us pay them when we were at the temple, and were genuinely grateful for the opportunity. They always made us feel like we were serving them by allowing them to watch our children, instead of the other way around.
I remember one time when this couple took Jerry and me out to lunch and then to a play…. all on them. We had very little money to spend on entertainment and this was such a treat for us. They told us that each year they bought seasons tickets to a particular playhouse as a special gift to themselves. It helped them to have a really nice date now and then. Actually…they bought TWO sets of seasons tickets. That way, they could take another couple with them occasionally, or maybe some of their children. Once in a while they just gave those second tickets away to someone who they thought might enjoy them. We were the blessed couple that one time and we have never forgotten it.
This Christmas Jerry and I decided to give ourselves seasons tickets to that same playhouse. With our baby a little older, he is getting easier to leave, and we've made a goal to have more regular dates this year. Thank you so much Verna and Terry for your love, for your wonderful children, for your great example, for your devotion to each other, and to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ripples that you set in motion so many years ago are still being felt and on continuing to circle "on and on and on."
