Yes to Mess
"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox."The Bible If you want creativity to flourish…
Forgetful service
There is a type of person who, if he renders you a service, has no hesitation in claiming the credit for it. Another, though not…
Invest in beauty
The peonies popped this week. We were given a luxurious bouquet of enormous pink blooms by some dear friends. "Magnificent" just doesn't seem to do.…
Manners
While you were growing up, did it seem like your parents were constantly reminding you of your manners? "Mind your Ps and Qs." "Don't chew…
Generosity
"The feeling of being owed will destroy our ability to do generous work....""It draws our eye to the mirror instead of the work....""Gratitude isn't a…
Rivalry
"Last one into the house is a rotten egg!" Making ordinary tasks into competitions can be a powerful way to motivate behavior. But it also…
Gifts
Some people love to give gifts. Throughout the year they are paying attention to you in a different way. They are listening for and taking…
Tell ’em
We hesitate to encourage people. For a variety of reasons. We worry that we'll sound cheesy or fake. Or that the moment will be awkward.…
T-Bones
I like steak. A lot. I also like my younger brother. So when Mom asked me what I'd like to have for our "last meal"…
Quid pro quo
quid pro quo | ˌkwid ˌprō ˈkwō | noun a favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something True generosity is not the same as granting or paying back…