- Jul 20, 2016
- 6,572
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The idea of small acts of kindness popped up today. I've thought about recent ones and others from long ago. They were small things, but the emotions associated with them live on. I'll likely never see these people again, yet the effect of their actions stays as strong as the day they happened. There is something especially powerful about a stranger stepping closer for a brief point in time. All together, it feels like an elegant dance.
These are two of those perfect moments engraved on my heart.
What are your stories?
A long, long time ago I was helping a friend get the exterior of their office ready to paint. It was an old building and hard work. I was on a ladder, dirty and dusty, when an older man approached. I could see he was down on his luck, wearing a thread bare suit and worn hat. He was selling imitation flowers. He did not ask me to buy one, as I was on a ladder, but we chatted briefly. He came back in a couple of hours, bringing a red rose. He said he was able to sell all his flowers after he talked with me, and that he wanted me to have the rose because I brought him luck. I was dumbstruck, thanked him, and he went on his way. For 35 years that rose has traveled with me back and forth across the country and to all my homes. I'm looking at it now.
I was leading a farm tour with second-graders, and there were a few boys who were quite active. So, I sat on the ground, and the children came closer and sat with me. After I finished with the lesson, I was getting up, which I do much more slowly these days, and one of the boys held out his hand to help me. Something inside said accept the help, and I did. I appreciated being acknowledged, but the big effect was with his mother. She was surprised that he saw a need and gallantly offered assistance. I could see the love and appreciated blossom between them - it was a heartwarming moment.
These are two of those perfect moments engraved on my heart.
What are your stories?