First of all, happy Easter!!! I love this time of year where we get to celebrate new beginnings of life in the Springtime and also celebrate Christ’s life! They both make me really happy, along with a few other delightful things. I am mostly happiest with my family and friends, but there is one thing that makes me truly happy, even if I’m doing it alone.
About six months ago, I was driving down the small town back road, heading home after a long day. Lining the entire street there are multiple cute houses occupied by little old people. This one neighbor, a short woman with speckled gray hair, had recently gotten hip surgery and I saw her often enough that I knew her, but we were not close friends by any means. As I passed her house, I slowed down just enough to see her slowly climb out of her car and begin to struggle with her walker, groceries, and papers from her equally long day.
I tried to justify my circumstance; she was close enough to her house, and she would make it before I even got out to help her. I continued to watch and her struggle just worsened. She dropped some papers and I couldn’t help but jump out of my car and grab her heavy bags and pile of papers. It was just a few short steps to her door and into her house where I silently put her things on her table. She repeatedly thanked me and apologized for the “messy” house she had. As I left, she thanked me over and over.
I couldn’t figure out what the big deal was. I did the simplest act to help her out, it took less than five minutes, and yet, she was so grateful. After I got in my car, I couldn’t help but smile myself. I was grinning all the way home, and thought back on what a great, yet simple, experience I had.
A few weeks later, I saw this sweet old woman again and she placed a card and two bracelets in my hand and whispered, “ I know this was a long time ago but I really wanted you to know how much I appreciate you helping me out that day.” The card was completely written out of a kind and grateful heart. I felt nothing but love as I read her sweet words of gratitude to me. Again, I couldn't believe what great happiness this brought me, and I could tell, had brought her as well.
This experience has made me want to be a happier person, in both giving and getting. I know there are so many times where I could help someone in need, and a lot of times I don’t. There are also times I remember where people have helped me and I didn’t thank them enough. My goal for the next week or so, in order to make it habit, is to look for more service opportunities and to act on them. I would hate for my pride and busy schedule to get in the way of someone else’s happiness, and my own. I hope you can do the same to help this world become a happier and better place.
I have to admit old people are my weakness. I cry when I see them in sad commercials, alone at a restaurant or even with their lovers. I can only imagine how much I would be balling if an old woman felt so thankful after a simple gesture of kindness. This reminded of a common customer I get at work. He is an older Asian looking man who always talks to me after ordering, and asks about my life and hobbies, if I'm in love and what I plan on doing after I graduate. Sometimes we get carried away and talk when I should be working, but we always make great conversation. Just recently he came into Burger King and gave me a box of Chinese candy and thanked me for being so nice. I admit I cried when he left but it's so beautiful how the simplest things can make a persons day. I'm pretty sure when you stopped and decided to help that old woman you made her day.
ReplyDeletePeople often overlook the kindness in the simplest of acts. Ironically, these are what often show how much heart a person really has.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing about ‘service’ is that it has a slightly heavy connotation, as if it were an obligation instead of a voluntary and happily-provided activity; the word ‘service’ carries no joy in its delivery, only responsibility. Yet I have had the pleasure of experiencing service at play, of organizing, managing, and constructing community events and programs, of feeling the happiness and excitement bleeding from the bodies of the people participating. In times like those, no matter how dull our lives seem, we can be and feel useful.
But the times I enjoyed helping others the most were the times when my assistance was unplanned and unanticipated. Their gratitude was almost tangible, and my chest was almost numb with concern, determination, and protective instinct.
That woman was happy you were there to help, but you probably did more than you think and your actions probably meant more to her than you realize. People today tend to turn a blind eye to the suffering occurring around them, and you yourself almost let her struggle alone. But you didn’t, and that says something about you.
One good deed often has a habit of passing from person to person; your influence may affect the world in unforeseen ways.
I hope you meet your goal. No, I hope you surpass it. I hope the world becomes a better place because of what you continue to do.