Ernest Holmes would go to the drugstore each day for a snack. One day, he saw a drunk man and offered to buy him a cup of coffee. The man accepted. As Ernest spoke with him while he was sobering up over his cup of coffee, he discovered that the man was a sign painter. Ernest asked the manager of the store for some paper and some markers and asked the man to paint some signs with letters and numbers. The store manager who was watching this stated that he actually needed some signs. “How much are you going to pay him?” asked Ernest. The manager made an agreement with the man to create some signs and agreed to pay him for his work and expertise. A few months later a man knocked at Ernest’s office and asked to see him. He was clean-shaven and wearing a nice suit he had purchased from the thrift store. He came to say thank you to Ernest. Ernest told him to get in the car and they rode around until Ernest saw a store for lease and made arrangements for the man to start his own business. The man became successful and repaid Ernest.
Ernest Holmes was a Quiet Genius. He could see the genius within others and make a difference in their lives. I still use this story as a guideline in my life of what small or sizable ways I may be of service to another living being. Some acts are small and happen quickly while other acts of a Quiet Genius happen over time. I have returned payments for services rendered and given away important things of value to me because spiritually I felt guided to do so knowing I may positively impact someone’s life.
Who knows who we may truly be if someone like Ernest Holmes or some other Quiet Genius would come along and see our further potential?
Thank you for sharing an inspiring story. Powerful Ink Indeed!