Meet John. He’s not average.
Yesterday, I stopped at a gas station on my way to work. I was standing in one line, and overheard John talking woth the other cashier and a boy (maybe 12-15).
I didn’t hear what the boy did, but he did some good deed. I’m pretty sure he turned in a wallet, because I heard John say that he turned “it” in without even looking inside of it.
That observation was a little above average. Most of us wouldn’t have paid much attention to something like that. After all, it was just the right thing to do.
But John didn’t stop there.
He went on to praise the boy several times, both directly and indirectly to the cashier. He made sure that thw boy knew that kind of action was correct.
But John still didn’t stop there.
He offered to buy the boy a drink, candy, or something. The boy refused at first, but accepted some candy.
After witnessing this, I approached John at his vehicle. I didn’t have time to ask for more details, but I gave him thanks for his words and actions.
All of this took place in less than three minutes. It was a simple gesture to praise the boy. It was inexpensive to buy a candy bar.
By the way, all that the boy needed at the gas station was to break his dollar bill. Because of his good deed and the response from John, he got a lot more than a few quarters. Who knows what kind of impact that will have on that kid and his future decisions!
Question: What will you do to be above average and inpact soneone’s life?
Huge value!
My son once found a few pennies on the floor of the barber shop we frequent. He asked if he could keep them, and by asking a few questions, I guided him to realize that they weren’t his, and should be given to the shop owner. Which he did.
The barber then took Ben next door and had the jeweler who shares their building make him a ring by flattening one of the pennies. He was astounded.
And he got iced cream on the way home, too.
It was one of his first “moral” lessons, but it has really stuck. He’s very willing and ready to always do the right thing, a lesson I wish his sister had learned as easily!
That’s a great story, Bret! I love being able to help influence in a good way and watch it click in their lives.
I love this Josh.
I have a similar story that I am super excited to share tomorrow.
The thing you mention that is so important is how this one even could alter the boy’s life forever! That is a long time.
Those are the changes that count!
Love this story and the impact it has on the boy and everyone involved. Thanks for sharing!
I wish I knew who the boy was so I can see how he grows up!
This is a great story Josh! So true: it only takes a few seconds to really add to someone’s day in a positive way. It also only takes a few seconds to really praise someone for something well done. We just have to slow down and do it. 🙂
How will I be above average and impact someone? Great question: I will practice slowing down more and NOTICING what my kids do, or what my wife does. Then I’ll let the praise fly!
“NOTICING” – this is the first key step!
I don’t think we do this enough – actively making an impact on young people. Maybe on our own kids – but it is OKAY to do the same for kids in the community. You may be the only positive influence some kids ever see…so take advantage of it!
So true!
Something as simple as he did to praise him will probably change him for life. An excellent reminder of how just taking a couple minutes can have a major impact, and this is as true for your team as it was for the kid in this case.