A father and young daughter sat at a table together enjoying their dinner. The occasion was Valentine’s Day, and this single dad was spending it with his six-year-old. In spite of the stressful effects of raising a child on his own–financial obligations, hectic days, sleepless nights, and tough decisions–he was taking the time to make his little girl feel special.
Meanwhile, two other restaurant patrons were watching from a distance. Moved by the apparent devotion of this overextended parent, the couple decided to pay the man’s bill. Then they jotted down a note that would bring tears to the the single father’s eyes. They praised him for his parenting abilities and shared their own personal insight about growing up without a dad. The note ended with the statement “…It’s so important to have a male role model at a young age.”
This expression of appreciation meant the world to the struggling single father who posted it online later that night. A simple word of encouragement can be a turning point in an individual’s life.
If you can find an opportunity each day to hearten somebody, the positive effect will be far-reaching. Take the time to uplift people and show them your appreciation for their diligent, valuable endeavors.
