Be pliant of disposition and yielding to impressment, and receive every man with cheerfulness.

According to the Ethics of the Fathers (Pirkei Avot, a collection of sayings of the Jewish sages), Rabbi Ishmael invites us not to stiffen: to stay supple when something is asked of us, and to welcome every person with joy. Today, when an unexpected request comes your way, take it in without tensing up, and greet each person you meet with a real smile.