A couple hours after watching this video I drove up to the post office annex and groaned. I had all four kids and the line was all the way to the door. I almost didn't go in (how on earth would I wait that long with an impatient two year old in my arms?), but I had to get my things mailed.
As I got in the back of the line, the gentleman who was second in line walked back to me. "Please take my place in line."
I was in tears as I thanked him.
I almost didn't accept the man's offer (why is it so hard for us to accept someone else's kindness?), but I hope the experience blessed him as much as it blessed us. And it was a great example of kindness to all the other people in line!
Seriously, people. Do you know the power that you have to touch someone's life with seemingly insignificant acts of kindness?
Just twenty minutes later, the boys and I were inspired to pass it on. Our neighbor’s garbage and recycling had blown over in the wind storm and were in the ditch full of water. My boys happened to have their big boots on and in the rain they fished around for all the trash and put the bins back up. I was so proud of the boys and thankful for what the experience could teach them.
Standing in long lines we cannot do. Wet and muddy—that we can.
Go. Do what you can do. Don’t underestimate the transformative power of little things.
12 comments:
Amen.
I didn't realize how much I needed to read your post today until the tears started and wouldn't stop. This was a balm to my battered spirit after last Friday. Thank you so much for sharing this. God bless you!!!
Thank you so much for this reminder. I love reading your blog!
Muddy and wet ... that's so great!
One time, as a new mom, when I had a colicky newborn in a baby bjorn and a little two year old, I reached over the deli case to receive a plate with a slice of pizza from the deli worker. The pizza slipped off the plate and onto the floor by my feet. I was so defeated by my days and didn't even know what to do. The deli worker who had seen it happen turned her back without a word. The next moment, an elderly man in his 70s spoke up for me, and said, "Miss, this woman needs another piece of pizza." She turned around and gave me another plate. I was so grateful for that man. He didn't even know how much that kindness meant to me.
love this Heidi!
It is sad to me that videos and commercials like these have been made to "show" people how a small act of kindness can grow. Isn't this what we should all do instinctively? This should not be something to strive for, but rather the behavior that is always exhibited.
Bravo for your boys willingness to help their neighbor without thought of reward. This should be the norm, not the exception.
Well said, Heidi.
It's amazing the little kindnesses; they do so much for each of us.
Love this. Sometimes it's the little things. :)
Smiling away over here!
Heidi, I just love this. I can so relate to being the mom in the forever-long line at the post office with 4 kids (yep, ages 9, 7, 5, and 2), and can imagine how relieved I'd be to step to the front! It's amazing how touching small gestures can be (because that would NOT be a small thing to me on a rough day!)
I love that your crew can do wet and muddy :) And that you guys passed it on.
So beautiful.
Loved your post which I read first. I hadn't seen the video yet and was touched to tears.
Thank you.
Thanks, Heidi. What a great challenge to pass on the kindness in ways we can help.
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