“Always do the right thing. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” ~Mark Twain (1835-1910), American author & humorist
I know, I know. We do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.
But I do so like Mark Twain’s take on it: Isn’t it fun to think that by doing the right thing you might please someone? Or astonish someone?
And really, why are we so surprised when someone does the right thing? Is it such a rare commodity nowadays? (And remember, “nowadays” for Mark Twain was during the mid-1800s to early 1900s.)
It’s Friday. I really don’t want to wax philosophical. The end of the week isn’t made for philosophizing. Have a good weekend. Do the right thing. Please someone. Astonish others.
In Your Words: What “right thing” have you done during the past week? Who did you please? Who did you astonish?
Beach Bag Giveaway: Leave a comment here sharing your best, worst or funniest romantic moment for a chance to win:
- a beach bag with a beach towel,
- a copy of Wish You Were Here (which USAToday.com called a “ fun novel (which) has “beach read” written all over it.”)
- a $50 Visa gift card (for you to enjoy a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant with your sweetheart.)
I’m talking about “not settling” over at Casey Herringshaw’s blog today!
Comments 22
My next door neighbor needed gas for her lawnmower and she doesn’t have a car. There were two options: She could walk (about a quarter of a mile) or I could go get it in my car(think smelling gas fumes the rest of the day)
Actually, there was only one option. No way could I let her walk to the station and then carry a five gallon can back. lol Praying mightily for her a car.
Having carried a gas can back to a car that ran out of gas (and I was pregnant at the time!) — you did such a kind, right thing!
I bought a car and pleased myself and probably astonished the dude who sold it to me. I may be the easiest customer ever. Hehehe…
J/K. I did hold my tongue once this week when I really wanted to argue with someone. I think I was the more astonished one in that case. 🙂
And I just realized the use of “easiest” was probably not my best word choice ever. 🙂
Bahahaha!
Oh, well … it’s a word. It works.
😉
It’s good to astonish ourselves sometimes, Melissa.
And congrats on the new car!
Hmmm…..not sure! I don’t think I’ve astonished anyone this week. Not sure what to think about that!
Katie, I find it hard to believe that you didn’t astonish someone this week.
Seriously!
Happy anniversary, by the way!
I’ve shocked people with forgiveness & grace before. It’s fun!
~ Wendy
Yes, yes it is!
First of all… love the photo 🙂 I’ve been praying the Lord’s Prayer lately and was reminded that in reciting it we are asking God to help us do the right thing (“and lead us not into temptation…”). I’d previously thought of “temptation” in this verse as it would relate to the “big” sins. But I realized this week that it can also refer to the daily temptations in our lives, such as how we spend our time, our attitude, and our willingness to turn every problem over to Him. I suppose no one is more astonished than me when I’m able to do most of those things right (or at least come close).
Kathy,
I love the idea of praying (and applying) the Lord’s Prayer.
Such a beautiful application of this quote.
(And my husband suggested the photo.)
What a great quote by Mark Twain. Let’s see, yesterday, I went to the coffee shop and had a coupon. The cashier mis-read it and thought it warranted me a free coffee. I asked her about that, and suggested that it meant I got 50% off the drink up to a certain value. When she re-read it, she agreed. So, I did the right thing, but I don’t know if it astonished anyone, but hopefully it pleased her. 🙂
Love that quote! Isn’t it said that some people are astonished by others doing good? We can be such a light for Christ in this world!
True, Lindsay. True.
Love the quote.
I didn’t please or astonish anyone. It just seemed to be the right thing to do – I could just see some elderly person wiping out and breaking a hip or something. Yesterday, I saw an item on the floor in a store. Several people walked by it and stepped over it. I went over and picked it up and put it back on the rack. I think it took me a whole 2 seconds tops out of my time. I think it was I who was astonished that nobody who walked near it before me picked it up. They had to see it to step over it. If we all just took a second or two, the world would be in better shape.
Wow.
You’re right. Such an easy thing to do — and no one stopped.
Except you.
Brava.
Last Friday I went up the road to farm, dreading expense because floor under carpet below windows in 2 rooms, rotted, long story, but praying and singing anyway. God brought Chris. carpenters with young families who wanted my books, so though worried about funds, I gave them at less than half price. To my amazement, they cut their rates and did repairs for half price. They also contacted my neighboring dairy farmer, their best friend, whose son one place further is a youth pastor who came and mowed (nearly baled) our nearly 6 acre yard for a welcome gift–I did the right thing but in return was more than amazed, blessed, relieved at major turn arounds & good relationships forming.
Thank you for sharing this story here, Dee.
It warms my heart to here how kind people can be.
I’m still chuckling about Melissa’s “easiest” comment above! Yesterday I was at the grocery store for my weekly shopping experience (it’s always an adventure with kids in tow) and the clerk was super busy. He rang through one milk and then popped the other over the scanner and I didn’t hear the beep. I glanced at the register and didn’t see it listed so I stopped him and let him know. He said: “Wow – you’re the second person who’s been honest today. That’s encouraging.” 🙂 Who knew it would be a timely example for your blog?!?!
Honesty–so, so important. And such an good example for your children.