March 2, 2026
“Be the person who makes others feel special. Be known for your kindness and grace.”
Recently, I read something in a book that inspired me to share the author's insight with you: In 1757, Benjamin Franklin sailed for England aboard a ship that joined a fleet of nearly one hundred others. From the deck, Franklin noticed that the water behind most of the ships was churning and agitated, but two ships had calm wakes, as though gliding through the sea. Asking the captains about it, he received this reply: “Oh, everyone knows that. The cooks on those two ships have just thrown their greasy water overboard. “
Franklin spent years pondering this phenomenon. He even designed a walking cane with a hollow center that he filled with oil. When at a lake or river, he’d amaze his friends with a little parlor trick. No matter how choppy the water, when he poured his oil onto the surface, it became calmer. The calmness would spread out and cover a wide area.
Franklin's discovery was the object of much inquiry. People wanted to know why a thin layer of oil could create such calm on the waters. The answer is simple. Ripples and waves are caused by the friction between air and water. When a gust of wind blows over a body of water, the air grabs at the water and lifts it. When the water's surface is coated with oil, friction is reduced, and the wind cannot easily grip the water.
What oil is to water, grace and graciousness are to our relationships. People tend to rub one another the wrong way. The friction between our personalities creates ripples of disharmony. But when we pour the oil of grace onto the water, it has a way of calming the seas.
If we’re gracious to people – we don’t get mad easily; we don’t stay mad long; we don’t take offense or let a root of bitterness spring up – if we forgive easily and assume the best in others, and if we learn to smile through the day, we’ll have a much happier life. So will the people around us!
Intentionally Own It! What growth does this message inspire me to embrace, and what makes it matter? When I embrace it, who am I becoming, and what value does this add to my life and to others?