Rule #12

On our refrigerator, there's a list of "12 Rules to Live By," which I typed, printed, and laminated back in the early days of my marriage to Ron. We were having trouble with the boys' attitudes, etc. and these are pretty much common sense type things like If you open it, close it... if you break it ... fix it (or find someone who can)... After hanging on the fridge for 2-1/2 years, no one probably notices it or reads it anymore. Many times it's covered up by some other important paper - such as a current report card, or doctor appointment slip.

But today, I noticed it again peeking out from behind Aaron's report card and the winter break weightlifting schedule. I noticed it because Rule number 12 is ...12. "If it will brighten someone's day...say it." The boys are with their mom this week, but Aaron stopped by to pick up some more protein powder. When he walked in he said, "Hi... you look tired." (oh, gee - just what you want to hear even if it is true)...but then he asked, "How was the wedding yesterday?" ... "How have you been doing?" ... "Did you have a fun weekend?" I answered his questions, "Yes." "I am tired, we were gone all day yesterday with church, shopping, and the wedding." "We had a good weekend." How about you? He told me about his date (they went to Chipotle's and got a free meal because the beans weren't ready and they had to wait a long time.) He and his friend are going on a double date today - they are each dating girls on the soccer team. You know, just normal conversation ... but there was a time, back when I first posted rules 1-12, that we wouldn't have had that conversation. He wouldn't have asked how my day was, or told me about his ... but ah, what a difference it's made because back when I posted that list of rules to live by ... I lived by them too. I made it a point to ask them about something good that happened in their day ... and it's paying great dividends now. I still look tired, but it what he said (and asked) brightened my day today!