It doesn't cost a thing, except a little effort

One of the things for certain in this life is people will be people. Some great, some good, some not so good and some just plain ole' bad.

I have been a people watcher most of my life. Not in a bad way - sometimes I just like to sit back and observe and other times I ask questions. After all, my father always told me "when you no longer learn, you are most likely no longer".

When I was a "few years younger", I taught country and western dance. Many times I would watch the dancers out on the floor when I was just out "socializing" myself. As the dancers would go around the dance floor, I watched the way they moved their hands, arms and feet. There were those who were smooth, never missed a beat, and looked as if they had been dancing together forever (any maybe they had), as well as, of course, those who were just having fun. A lot to be learned from both.

Airports are a great place to learn. Especially if they are crowded. I have had to refrain many times from grabbing the intercom and saying, "seats are for sitting in, not for stowing your luggage. Please be considerate and allow people who are standing (in particular the elderly or those with physical challenges), to have the opportunity to sit down as well. I'm sure your luggage will survive being on the floor."

I remember one instance when a lady utilized the seat beside her to lay her food on. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to put my food on the floor either, but I would hope I would choose to hold it in my lap rather than keep someone from sitting down who really needed to.

I have also "observed" a lot at places I have worked. Not just employees who were under my direction, but the "leaders" as well. Even though I may not always appear to be watching, or I may be silent even, I am still filing away what I am learning.

Over the years, I have found watching employees to be particularly beneficial. It usually doesn't take long to figure out who is going to be there when they are needed and who will be "checked out" of their responsibilities.  It also isn't difficult to tell which leaders really care and which ones could care less.

So what does it come down to? People are going to be people. Humans, I suppose, and some "not so human" as the story goes. I have never been able to wrap it around my brain why some can be so selfish and cruel, while others can give and give - even when there is not a thank you in sight. Even though we should not do things "expecting" anything in return, there really should be a return. A thank you at the bare minimum. Acknowledgment of something good or a job well done.

But then again, that would not be indicative of what the "real world" is all about. As people, as human beings, we have to learn to ride the waves. To climb those mountains. To give even when our giving appears to be unnoticed or unappreciated.

Long ago, I was having a conversation with someone about homeless people. I relayed that after giving someone a meal from a local fast food establishment and driving away - I noticed in my rear-view mirror that the individual quickly went through the sack and threw it away. It was apparent they were looking for cash, not food. The individual I was talking to about it, was wise in their response, "you did the right thing to try and help someone. If they took advantage or were not honest about what they wanted - that is on them, not you. You did the right thing."

Being of the personality that I "want to make a difference", sometimes that can be a bitter pill to swallow. After all, I wanted to help someone who was hungry. However, as my friend said,  what was important is that I did the right thing - not that they weren't.

Blessing another individual is what I received for my efforts, even if they chose not to appreciate the blessing itself. If only we could all do what is right, without wanting a certain response or outcome in return. Think of how many people would be blessed including ourselves.

I recently visited with a young family. The man, his wife and young son were seated next to me in a restaurant. We visited for awhile and I learned he was an attorney who was getting ready to accept his "dream job" of becoming a judge. We exchanged pleasantries, learned a little about each other, and they went on their way. My waiter came up and told me my meal had been paid for by that couple. They didn't wait to see the outcome. They didn't wait for a thank you or a big reward. They presented me with a blessing and walked away.

So yes, people will be people. Sometimes they will be human, sometimes not. But we all should learn to show grace, charity, consideration, respect for others. It can't help but make us all better people. And, just think of the lessons we will learn - the relationships we may form. Be kind. All of that doesn't cost us a thing, except a little bit of effort.