the gracious ones.
This one is for those who seem to be always smiling. They ask a favor and if we forget, they understand with generosity. They offer their friendship without catch, no strings attached. They are the kids who’ll play any position on the team because they so enjoy being a part of what’s going on.
The rest of us, we’re all a little too busy sometimes. They don’t mind. The gracious ones wait for us.
The rest of us, we’re cranky sometimes. They don’t mind. The gracious ones don’t even seem to notice.
And when we come to our senses and say that we’re glad to have them around, the gracious ones somehow make it seem like we’re the special ones.
The gracious ones allow us to overlook them.
Just because they don’t demand our attention, it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve it.
I know one gracious lady. She’s often comes to visit here. She rarely asks for anything. She defines compassion, hardwork, and kindess. Her smile is bigger than the Internet. Her heart is bigger than that. She likes to laugh.
Her name is Marti Lawrence.
Would you introduce me to a gracious one that you know?
Karin H. says
August 17, 2007 at 6:34 AMAsk and you shall receive:
My gracious one
I’m looking forward to get to know Marti better
Karin H.
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 6:36 AMOh Karin!
YEA!!! and thank you!!
Robyn says
August 17, 2007 at 7:14 AMLiz, you have such a storehouse of grace yourself… That’s why it flows over to others!
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 7:24 AMThank you, Robyn,
You are the perfect example of “it takes one to know one.” 🙂
Alina Popescu says
August 17, 2007 at 8:25 AMLiz, that is pretty much how I want to be someday. Till then, here is my gracious one!Bart
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 8:40 AMHi Alina!
Thanks for sharing your gracious one. I have a feeling you already belong on the list.
Alina Popescu says
August 17, 2007 at 8:49 AMThank you, Liz, you are sweet as always, but I still have to work on it 🙂
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 8:52 AMAlina,
To quote the title of a favorite book . . . “Nobody is Perfick.” 🙂
Dar says
August 17, 2007 at 10:07 AMHi, Liz!
You are a most gracious one in allowing us to share ours, and you are gracious on a regular basis. 🙂
Actually, I’m surrounded by gracious ones. Carolyn is one that also tops my list. (It’s hard to choose one!)
Thank you for asking.
Susan Reynolds says
August 17, 2007 at 10:17 AMTalk about gracious, we’re always in good company when we are with our hostess here. And Marti charms us when she visits wherever we are.
One sees a lot of less than good behavior in our world. Let’s talk about something more positive! What a lovely idea to mention it.
Susanna says
August 17, 2007 at 10:43 AMErika, who will probably be plenty surprised to get a random link from here.
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 10:56 AMHi Dar!
Thanks! Feel free to acknowledge more than one. The gracious folks are too often overlooked, because they stand aside. 🙂
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 10:58 AMHi Susan!
You’re a gracious hostess yourself — and entertaining. 🙂
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 11:01 AMHi Susanna!
That’s even cooler! Thanks for making someone feel special. 🙂
Marti says
August 17, 2007 at 11:17 AMOh Liz! You are the most wonderful thing to wake up to! LOL What a shock to hear my phone ringing and hear your voice! You are so delightful, and I can’t thank you enough for everything that YOU do! I would mention my twitter buddies:
Susan
http://susanreynolds.blogs.com/
Connie
http://www.everydotconnects.com/
Ann
http://twitteringontheedge.blogspot.com/
Becky
http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/
There are so many more! I apologize for not having time to look them all up! I am so blessed to have such incredible people in my life – especially you, dear Liz! Best wishes to everyone, as I wander off, singing, on a cloud of happiness!
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 11:32 AMSee, Marti!
I said you would make it about other people. . . . forever gracious, that’s you!
Ann says
August 17, 2007 at 11:52 AMMarti,
Wow, me? Really? I think it’s the fact that I’m the middle child. I’m used to just being happy with what life hands me.
What a powerhouse to be linked with! Susan, Connie and Becky? I am doubly honored.
Ann
Zakman says
August 17, 2007 at 1:04 PMI can introduce you to one.
Her three-letter first name begins with an “L” and the last letter is a “Z” and there’s a vowel in the middle.
Wonder if anyone can guess who that person is?
And why is she gracious? Cause she’s there.
Zakman says
August 17, 2007 at 1:28 PMUPDATE:
Yeah, she’s gracious and so am I, too.
It’s just not possible to love someone if you don’t love and respect yourself too 🙂
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 2:08 PMOh Zakman,
You ARE gracious. I’m glad you realize that. 🙂
Connie Reece says
August 17, 2007 at 4:00 PMBirds of a gracious nature flock together. 🙂
Liz, you made an excellent choice in spotlighting Marti as a gracious person … proven by her turning around and immediately sharing the limelight.
Marti, I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you on Twitter and around the blogosphere. You truly are our Miss Congeniality. *hugs*
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 4:26 PMHey Connie!
You just can’t miss with Marti around. 🙂
Becky McCray says
August 17, 2007 at 8:45 PMYou know who else is truly gracious? Jon Swanson.
Thank you, Marti and Ann, for complimenting me so. Marti really does fully deserve this honor.
ME Strauss says
August 17, 2007 at 8:47 PMHey Becky,
Isn’t that just the way. The gracious ones always passing on the limelight. 🙂
Deborah Woehr says
August 18, 2007 at 9:05 PMHi, Liz!
I know two gracious people. Marti is one. Michael is another.
ME Strauss says
August 18, 2007 at 10:01 PMHi Deborah!
It’s wonderful to see you! Thank you for recognizing another gracious one. 🙂