I have a weekly radio spot on KVSH in Valentine, and my sign off is, “Do your best, somebody might like it.” Not original with me; a quote I read somewhere, and forgot to note the source.
I doubt if any of us do our best every minute, or even every day, but when we do, people, including ourselves, change. It’s often just the little things that make a difference. A checkout person at the store checks my eggs, or asks if I did, tapes the top of containers that might come off during transport, and packs the eggs and bread on top.
At Mi Ranchito, the staff are always smiling, singing, or laughing. Dave and his helpers at the pharmacy joke with one another, which makes the customers smile. Any business experience is more enjoyable when people enjoy their work.
My husband routinely thanks me for making a meal, even if it’s just Sunday night popcorn, or fills my gas tank when he’s in town.
Great grandkids who live two states away send a packet of pictures they’ve made, or write a note.
My rodeo grandson texts to say he won his bareback event. Family members who know I’m not on Facebook send pictures of prom, the engagement ring, or Halloween costumes.
Our very busy neighbor stops to chat a minute when he passes by.
Someone at church remembers to ask about the recovery of one of my family members who had surgery.
A friend who calls every Monday just to check in and chat, says, “Thanks for being there,” when he hangs up.
Sometimes, someone’s best spreads blessings far and wide. Organizations that serve our communities, and events like county fairs, wouldn’t happen without volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Most of us have no clue about the support of local businesses which made possible that celebration in the park, the speakers at the library event, or a street dance. When you are asked to thank the sponsors who made an event possible, do you do that, or just blow it off?
We attended a wonderful evening of music and dancing last week, made possible by the Furman and Vogel families as an expression of thanks for 6 generations of good life in the town where their roots are firmly planted. Everyone left that event with a smile on their faces and I hope they all expressed appreciation to those families for doing their best.
We were sitting with Chuck, of Western Valley Irrigation, sponsor of this column, and I thanked him again for that. Also at our table was a friend who hosts an annual party at her lake cabin for the ladies of her church. Linda reminded me to attend, which I did, and a good time was had by all. She does her best to make us feel appreciated and we appreciate her in turn.
We all know people who do their best. We all know when we’ve done our best too, whether at work or in service to others, because of how it makes us feel. It’s a win-win deal. However you did your best today, I guarantee that someone liked it.