A couple of days ago I was at Walmart when I felt a tap on my back, turning around, I saw it was from an old friend I'd first met in Jr. high school. He's someone I see very infrequently, but is one of those good hearted, naturally good-natured, "Salt of the Earth" types; you know, like me.

Spreading Light

His name's Brian, and he always stood out in class, being quiet when others were loud. He had no enemies, but was never popular either. The type that would go to a party as a wallflower, tucked away and ignored. I tend to notice such types as I was one of them as a child due to my speech handicap.

If I walk into a crowded room, in short order, I'll notice that one person that no one is talking to, and then make a beeline for them and start a conversation. It's the right thing to do.

If I'm in a small group, I've been known to change the subject so that a quiet person can feel included. At the dinner table, I've been known to pass notes to people who were talking too much and hogging the spotlight, telling them to create an opening for the quiet person.

Brian was one of those people.

Decent, honest, and caring about others more so than himself. He's exactly what the term: "Salt of the Earth" represents.

Like me, he also has never been in trouble with the law. As I spoke to him and his mother, she told me that he's never had a bad word to say about anybody. Just an all-around good person, the kind we need more of in this world.

Tending The Garden

But I also reminded Brian to be sure and take time for himself. People like us can get "used up" by selfish people only looking out for number one. I see that all too often in good-natured people, and do my best to help them whenever I can. Years ago, I decided to cut back on doing too much for the types that always take and almost never give.

"Always refresh yourself from time to time" I told Brian. "Empaths like us need to spend the currency of our good deeds and random acts of kindness on those that truly deserve them." He smiled and agreed.

It was so good seeing him and knowing that he has a wonderful wife and a healthy child. He's living a good life and deservedly so. You always remember the good ones. They make their mark in the world and make us better people as a result of the way they live their lives.