[quote text=”Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd. – Rumi”]
I have a quote from Rumi posted near my desk at work. It helps me find my center each morning. And, it reminds me of the purpose of each day.
“Be a lamp or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd” – Rumi
Yesterday, I was more of a step-ladder… but it still felt good.
Yesterday, I helped a work acquaintance with the simplest of gestures, a ride back to a restaurant where she had forgotten her wallet. In doing so I learned that she’d been upset about more than just forgetting her wallet. We chatted, commiserated, laughed and rejoined our work colleagues who were going to see a movie.
We have all been there when on some given day someone has turned our challenging moment into a moment of relief. Some small catalyst of change…a kind word, a reassuring hug or a shared laugh…has changed our perspective and moved us to a more positive reaffirmation of the moment we are going through.
I have been offered lamps, lifeboats and ladders. The kindness of others has taught me about reaching out. But here’s the thing, being a ladder for someone else, lifts your heart as well!
My work acquaintance has become a friend. A simple gesture turned a nice evening into a very nice evening and an acquaintance into a friend.
We invite you to share a story about yourself or another person, reflecting on the question: “How has gratefulness shifted a moment, an experience, or a lifetime?” 
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