My good friend, Jeanette Krause, a registered nurse for fifty years, once said to me, "There is great power in saying the right thing at the right time." Jeanette called this the power of the gentle touch.
One day while purchasing some books in a local bookstore, I sensed the sales clerk had an undercurrent of distraction and sadness. During our brief transaction, I focused my energy on appreciation for this person; after all, she was helping me.
The clerk handed me the change with a half-hearted smile and a weak thank you. I simply said, "Thanks for sharing the smile."
Suddenly, her whole demeanor changed as if to say, "Someone noticed me." She immediately straightened her posture and her half-hearted smile was transformed into a pure expression of joy. The clerk’s eyes were now sparkling as she said, "The smile’s free."
As I turned and walked away I overheard the clerk in a cheerful voice say, "May I help you?" to the next person in line. I couldn’t help but silently thank my friend, Jeanette, for teaching me the power of the gentle touch.
