Mint


I have a friend who, whenever you sit next to them at church or other event and you offer them a mint or
candy of some kind, they always graciously accept. It makes my day. It is a simple gesture of recieving
a gift that is probably the coolest no strings offer of kindness there is. Small as it is. It can break down walls in its simplicity. Most times people refuse graciously. Sometimes they tell you of some malady that keeps them from enjoying your offer, which makes you feel bad that you offered in the first place. I have had people actually insult my choice of mint while refusing.
I recently was on plane and the flight was about two hours long. I had the window seat and a very sleepy looking man had the aisle. The middle seat was empty for a bit, and then an attractive black woman came and took that seat. After a few minutes, I offered her a mint, because I was having one.
You would have thought I was asking for money! "No." was her reply. Not, "No, thank you." Not anything but "No." Ok....Fine. It was a very long flight of me wondering just what I did wrong.
Now in her defense, I am sure she had her reasons, and I'm not going to judge her. I only use the story to illustrate the contrast the between that, and my friend who always accepts and makes you feel very good and just how a simple gesture can impact lives.... and my point? Every little thing we do and say matters.                        Terry L Leatherman