Every Drop of Water Shapes the Stone

There is something wonderful about this time of year. No, I’m not talking about the weather (as I write this it is -2° F outside, with a mild breeze). Rather, I’m referring to the promise that a New Year brings. While many people try, no one can predict the future. We can employ deduction, reasoning, common sense, try to assess cycles, rely on “experts”, etc. However as often as people get it right, more often they get it wrong.

 

And while knowing the future would certainly come in handy in many instances, sometimes it is just enough to know that we have a future and that, in many ways we can have an influence on what it looks like. How many of you have created a New Year’s Resolution? That is the essence of trying to influence the future. Drop a few pounds is simply influencing your future weight.

 

While the Chamber has several members who can help you with your fitness journey (just check out our membership listings at www.GrimesIowa.com), our message today is different. We want you to realize that if you are a part of this community, you have the opportunity to help shape the future of Grimes. Business owners, managers, employees, and customers alike; we all have the ability to positively impact one another and the community as a whole.

 

We can start by being good neighbors. Understand that life will always present obstacles. Even with the best of intentions, there will be moments that we feel overwhelmed. It is in these moments when it is easy to not be kind. Try to be kind anyway. And when those around us are not at their best, do your best to be empathetic, knowing that they too might be struggling emotionally or otherwise.

 

If you are in business, strive to provide great customer service at every opportunity, even when that customer is being unreasonable. If you’re a customer of a business, try to understand that businesses are comprised of people who are dealing with any number of challenges just to keep things rolling. Like people, businesses sometimes have off days. Sometimes a little forgiveness is in order, but at least communicate with the management so that they are aware if you are dissatisfied in some way. That will likely yield more fruit than a vindictive negative social media most (for example).  After all, good communication is a key component in any healthy relationship.

 

As citizens, take the time and make the effort to be informed about what is happening in your community. There is so much good happening in Grimes, Iowa. While there will always be room for improvement, being educated on local issues is a great first step to take prior to forming an opinion. Then, if after learning about issues, you see something that may be improved, share your thoughts with the appropriate persons or entities.

 

Every drop of water shapes the stone. Every encounter, every engagement, every person, every business…together we will shape this community.  #LoveGrimes