You know both kinds of people. Some people just make you feel special, worthwhile, listened to, cared for, and more like yourself. Other people seem to drain your personality and vitality right out of you, they put a hole in your bucket and it feels like there's nothing of yourself left.
Think of the people who take the heart out of you that you are related to. Did you grow up in the same house as him/her? You probably couldn't wait to move out of the house.
I think being a parent means we have to work as hard as possible to be a person who puts heart into our families, even when it's a lot of work to be that person. The last thing I want to be is a wet blanket; I want to be a watering can for my husband and daughter, and for my friends, too.
Words are such a big part of how we affect people, words and attitude. I am not always as successful as I want to be in using kind words and keeping a gentle attitude with my family, but it is always on my mind. But I have worked hard and succeeded, I believe, at not being sarcastic to my daughter. Back when I was a high school substitute I used to use a lot of sarcasm to help keep classes in line, but not only does sarcasm not work with toddlers, but it undercuts them once they can understand it.
Just today, try to be a person who puts the heart back into the people you care about. Kindness costs us so very little, and it makes a huge difference in the lives of others. I know I'll be trying harder, because I love the hearts of my husband and little girl, and I want them as warm and full as possible.
So very true--this is something I definitely need to work on with my husband.
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