Matthew 22:36-40
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Before we go any farther, I want to lay something on you; it's not heavy and it's not to imply that you don't already do it. It's just a reminder to all of us.
The next chance you get, do something nice for somebody - say 'good day,' hold a door open - and don't wait around for a thank you; you don't need it. And because of you, that person will go out and do something nice for somebody, and then that person will go out and do something nice for someone else, and the whole world can wind up doing nice things for each other and we can be the ones that start it.
It takes all of us working together to get things done - no one does it alone. Only One did and I'm not that strong. Let's start it - here's to love - it's still the best! ~Roy Clark
Only One . . .
Just recently, we learn of the passing of country music legend and entertainer, Roy Clark. I'm of the generation who grew up on Hee-Haw, loving Roy, Buck Owens, and the rest of the entertaining regulars and guests. The clean and corny jokes made me laugh, and the music never failed to be inspiring and uplifting. So hearing of Clark's passing saddens me, but also strengthen my belief that the Lord is faithful to take His intrepid servants home.
My husband, Danny, loves to recount the stories of the times he was on the restaurant/lounge circuit as a solo musician. One of his most memorable is when a roadie for Roy Clark approaches Danny in the lounge where he is headlining, and asking, of all things, if he can borrow Danny's acoustic guitar for Roy's gig down the block. Without giving it a second thought, Danny volunteers his newly purchased Martin, out of what he now chalks up to naivete. The man's business card and demeanor seem trustworthy enough at the time. And a hopeful and upcoming star in the world of music, who would dare say, "No," to a country music legend?
And it turns out to be better than best. By the end of Danny's set, here comes the roadie, guitar in hand and in as pristine a shape as it was trustingly given, accompanied by a brief, handwritten note from Roy. Unfortunately, Danny cannot recall where he's stashed this precious missive, be he remembers what it stated: "I appreciate it!" ~Roy
Mr. Clark was a big-time star. He didn't need to offer any words of thanks, yet he did to this young upstart who just happened to have the guitar his crew either failed to bring to this gig, or didn't realize its importance to Roy's performance that particular evening.
Those three simple words, "I appreciate it!", make Danny's day then, and resonate in his heart all these years later.
Roy may have stated in the quote above that we not wait around for a thank you, but there is always room for us to give one, even for the smallest of thoughtful gestures shown to us. And I believe the need for thanks expressed, and kindness shown, is greater than ever in this world so far removed from the innocent days of Hee-Haw.
For as Roy notes, when we offer kindness and thanks to others, "then that person will go out and do something nice for someone else . . . here's to love - it's still the best!"
And I think that would make Jesus rejoice.
Amen!
Thanks and appreciation are all too often left on the curb these days. I remember watching Hee Haw and laughing at the corny jokes also. Roy's self-effacing demeanor was a breath of fresh air. he knew his stuff but was humble about it.
ReplyDeleteRoy was such a talented musician and entertainer, but as you said, Bill, humble, too. Don't find much of that these days! And let's all take time to say thanks and give thanks.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I remember that song. Also made famous by Charles Aznavour, the French singer who also died recently.
ReplyDeleteThanx for the memories, Martha.
God bless.
I'm glad you remember this song, Victor. I didn't know of Charles Aznavour, but it makes perfect sense that other singers would have wanted to record this beautiful song.
DeleteLove and blessings!
wow what a neat story and quite a great reminder too. ONLY ONE - that is all it takes to turn someone's day/life around.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the story and the lesson here, Jean. Thanks again for sharing!
DeleteLove and blessings!
It's amazing how just a few gently affirming words, accompanied by a smile, can turn someone's day around ... and leave a lasting imprint.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it, Linda? Just the simplest gesture of kindness can go such a long way.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Gratitude and thanks are key to living in happiness and joy (both since they are not the same thing of course). Great reminder! I appreciate you, Martha. Blessings to you today!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jason, they are key to a full and joyful life. I don't know where I'd be without a gratitude attitude! I appreciate you, too, my friend!
DeleteLove and blessings!
It's so easy to make a kind gesture and you never know how it will affect someone long after you've forgotten it. Years ago, I read a friend's blog post about a stranger who had offered condolences when she had just found out her mother died, and how that gesture had meant so much to her on a day when she felt alone and far from home. The post was written so beautifully that it brought me to tears. When I saw my friend I told her of my reaction. She looked at me funny and said, "Don't you remember? That stranger was you." I didn't remember this incident which occurred years before we became friends. But this made me much more aware of all the opportunities I have to be kind as I go through my day.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, Galen, what a compelling story you've shared here! It reminds me of what Roy said about not waiting around for a thank you - just do what is right because it's the right thing to do. Yet, you were miraculously rewarded with finding out that this touching story was about you. God is so good!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I LOVED Hee Haw too!! You are so right to remind us all to be kind. It really does get lost in the hustle and bustle.
ReplyDeleteHee-Haw was a classic, Terri, that's for sure! I particularly remember them featuring country music stars like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn. Good clean humor, along with genuine kindness, are attributes today's society is so missing out on.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This is such a beautiful reminder, Martha. Just to keep dishing out love and kindness without expecting something in return. It reminds me of the movie "Pay It Forward." The unconditional kind deeds of the boy in the movie made such an impact, and it was amazing how it grew to make a difference in so many. It's so sad how it ended, and yet his life here continued to make a difference. Thank you for making a difference here at your blog! Advent Blessings and hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh, Trudy, I remember how I cried buckets when I watched this film, longing to reverse the outcome, just as always did when reading Romeo and Juliet. But paying it forward in real life does have its incredible rewards, though we may not be the ultimate reapers. Our kind words sow seeds that others will take to heart, plant, pass along, and others will find bounty in the harvest.
DeleteI'm humbled by your kind words that my blog makes a difference in your life, my friend. There is no greater compliment!
Love and blessings!
I LOVE that video! Roy will certainly be missed. How quickly we forget, it costs not a thing to be kind.
ReplyDeletePS - That's fascinating about your hubby being a musician! Mine, too … but Tom mostly performed with a band(s) in and around the Chicago metro. I'd love to hear more about Danny's career!
Oh, Mevely, it was the '70s when solo/band acts were really coveted in hotels, restaurants, etc., and Danny really hoped he could make a career out of it. He had a great run, but it didn't work out. He finally decided to go back to school, and graduated with honors from GA Tech. From there, he worked as the Energy Star coordinator for 27 years. As God would have it, all those years spent performing in lounges opened the opportunity to be praise band leader at our church for 13 years! Now, does that not give another perspective on God's ultimate plans for us?
DeleteWould love to hear more about Tom's experiences! I'm sure he has some entertaining and enlightening stories to share.
Love and blessings!
Oh, my word! What a neat, neat story! We, too, were so saddened to hear Roy Clark has passed away. When my husband and I were on our honeymoon, we were so blessed to attend a live taping of Hee Haw, and as we were leaving, Roy Clark was walking right in front of us through the parking lot! He was eating a biscuit! We have often said how we wish we had asked for a photo, but we wanted to respect his privacy and not interrupt him while he was eating! We grew up in this era, too, and it makes us so sad to see these dear legends passing off the scene. Like the country song by George Jones, "Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes?" We don't like the modern-day "country" because, to us, it isn't country at all. Oh, for the old days! Also, I wanted to ask you if you could kindly email me through my blog? I would love to discuss something you mentioned in a comment. I don't see a way to email you privately, so just wanted to ask you that. SO wonderful to visit with you, my friend, and to see that we have yet one more thing in common with this dear music! God bless you with a wonderful day!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great story you've shared here, too, Cheryl! What a treat to see a live taping of Hee Haw, and to practically have run into Roy Clark in the parking lot. You know, I'll bet he would have not minded a photo had you asked, but I completely understand your thinking at the time. And yes, I miss the old country songs myself . . .
DeleteWith regards to emailing me privately, if you click on Author's Website on the upper right hand corner of this blog, it will take you to The Glade page. You can get in touch by clicking on the "Contact" tab.
Love and blessings!
LOVE this post. One single kindness can grow into a mountain of good deeds!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Yes, indeed, it can, Lulu!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, thank you for sharing this sweet and precious story. We'll never know this side of Heaven the impact our most simple gestures/words have on the people around us. A simple gesture or word on our part can change a person's day and then it goes from there: what I like to call the "ripple effect".
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I remember watching Hee Haw when I was a little girl! Too bad programs have degenerated since then.
Love and blessings!
Yes, Kim, the ripple effect . . . I recall the saying that the flap of a butterfly's wings can create that sort of of wave throughout the world. And that's what kind words can do!
DeleteGlad you remember Hee Haw - no, it certainly wouldn't be in large demand in these chaotic and politically correct times, but I have such treasured memories of this show, especially the amazing country stars who were showcased there.
Love and blessings!
We don't need a verbal Thank You. Just living a Christ-based life is enough reward. And sometime, down the road, that person may find that life worth living.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Susan, amen to that! We never know how our behaviors, because we have Christ at the center of our lives, will positively affect someone to whom we show kindness. Let us keep on keeping on, and thanks for your kind comment on Moments and Musings. I did respond, and have just now posted another poem.
DeleteLove and blessings!