A woman was waiting at an airport one night
With several long hours before her flight
She hunted for a book in the airport shop
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see
That the man beside her as bold as could be
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene

She munched cookies and watched the clock
As this gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by
Thinking “If I wasn’t so nice I’d blacken his eye”

With each cookie she took he took one too
And when only one was left she wondered what he’d do
With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh
He took the last cookie and broke it in half

He offered her half as he ate the other
She snatched it from him and thought “Oh brother
This guy has some nerve and he’s also rude
Why he didn’t even show any gratitude”

She had never known when she had been so galled
And sighed with relief when her flight was called
She gathered her belongings and headed for the gate
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate

She boarded the plane and sank in her seat
Then sought her book which was almost complete
As she reached in her baggage she gasped with surprise
There was her bag of cookies in front of her eyes

If mine are here” she moaned with despair
“Then the others were his and he tried to share”
“Too late to apologize” she realized with grief
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief
~Anonymous

Good morning! I ran across this poem the other day and thought it spoke volumes about our relationships with others and those around us. How often do we automatically think the worst, half-mindedly think negative thoughts, nonchalantly cast the blame on the other person, “pass the buck,” shirk responsibility, make excuses, call the glass half-empty instead of half-full, or just become oblivious to the truth or our surroundings altogether…off-handedly observing our world and those within.

Why not make today a day to become kinder, gentler, more understanding and giving, less critical or judgmental, a little more patient, a little more nurturing, a little more insightful and above all positive in thought and energetic in learning and living. Add a lightness, and a politeness into your step and embrace today.

Your Turn: Make that positive first step to connect, really connect, with the world around you–be it a relative, a friend, a stranger in need, a pet, the person behind the checkout counter at your grocery store…whom- or what-ever…reconnect!

Today’s Affirmation: I assume and expect the best at every turn.