You know the story. The princess searches the world for her handsome prince, but, alas, cannot find him. When she meets the distraught, crying frog, her kiss of compassion turns him into Prince Charming, they fall in love, and live happily ever after. When our princess puts aside her own agenda, and focuses on the poor frog's pain, a transformation takes place. This seemingly simple fable has a powerful message. When our problems seem overwhelming, we need only look around, and will surely find someone whose problems are even worse. If we act with love and compassion, and reach out to help, blessings will follow.

Who are the frogs? We need only look around to see that the "frogs" are everywhere. Frogs are the widows, widowers, the single people, the elderly, the sick, the lonely neighbor, the working mother, the overworked father, neglected children, the homeless, jobless, the person sitting next to you in church, perhaps, or on the bus. We don't need to dig very deep to find hurting people around us.

How can you kiss a frog? You might extend an invitation to a widowed or single neighbor to share a meal with your family. You could visit a lonely shut-in or elderly person. A card or note to your child's teacher, thanking her for the selfless and creative way she teaches, or to your church's spiritual leader to show your appreciation for the way he/she serves your community. A kind word and smile to the cashier at the supermarket can make her day. When we look around with eyes of compassion, we will see the frogs are everywhere. They are in our church, at the ball game, at the grocery store, at work, even at home.

We often overlook the frogs who are closest to us. When was the last time you thanked your mom or wife for a meal she has prepared, or told your dad or husband you appreciate all he does for you? Have your ever tucked a note into a child's lunch, telling her you are thinking about her, and you are glad she is your child? Even telling that person who has hurt you that you forgive him can be a kiss.

Proverbs 15:23 tells us, "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good it is." We all need to hear words of affirmation. Everyone needs a compliment now and then. Even something simple works, such as, "I like the way you practice your piano lessons without being told, it's sounding better each week."

My favorite way to "kiss a frog" is by sending a note or card. There is something special about the written word. It can be carried close to the heart and read again and again. Often it is easier to write the things you have difficulty expressing verbally. My dad loved me dearly, I know by how he spent time with my brother and me when we were growing up, and how he helped and guided me through my turbulent teen years, and was always there as I became an adult. He found it difficult to say the words I love you, however. On my birthday just before he died, he sent me a card signed, "Love ya lots, Dad!" I still have that card, and cherish it to this day.

My friend had not heard from or spoken with her brother in years. Hurt and resentment had caused a rift in their relationship, and neither had made the effort to reconcile. Finally, she had decided it was time to heal. She wrote him a simple letter, asking forgiveness for any pain she may have caused him, and telling him she forgave him for past hurts he had caused. He arrived at her home two weeks later, with a warm, forgiving hug. What healing had come from that one little note.

What are your gifts? How can you best reach out to the frogs in your life? Perhaps you have a knack for reading stories, and can spend some time reading to children and elderly patients in the hospital, or can spare some time to sit and listen. Do you like to cook, or sew? Homeless shelters are always looking for people to help out. If you play an instrument or sing you can brighten someone's day by sharing your voice. Something we can all do is smile. When you smile at someone, even a stranger you pass by, you are acknowledging they exist; you are sharing a tiny piece of yourself with them. It really is amazing how this seemingly simple act can have such an uplifting effect.

Who are the frogs in your life? You know them, you see them every day. It is easy to avoid them, to look the other way. But the real blessing comes when you make that effort to reach out with kindness and compassion. You will have made a difference, not only in their lives, but also in your own. For when we give, we also receive, and usually far more exceedingly than what we give.

I have little frogs around my yard and in my house. Ceramic frogs, stone frogs, pictures of frogs, even a hanging planter frog. They serve as reminders to care for the hurting people I will encounter each day. They challenge me to find ways to kiss the frogs.

Have you kissed a frog today? If not, what are you waiting for?