I have a little story that I would like to share with you.
Yesterday on my bus ride home I witnessed a truly remarkable gesture. As I took my seat about 3 seats back from the front of the bus, I observed a bag of groceries hanging beside the driver’s seat. I thought nothing of it, and sat back to enjoy my book for the 20 minute commute home. About 10 minutes into the trip, I realized that the bus was slowing down, and when I looked up I saw the bus driver picking up her bag of groceries and opening her drivers side window (this was a shuttle bus). I couldn’t figure out what she was doing, but saw her only lowering this bag of food out of her window. It took me a second to realize that there was a person outside. “Now hurry on back to the sidewalk sweetie” she called to a bright eyed homeless man who hugged this bag of food close to him and hurried off the road. “He doesn’t drink or do drugs” the bus driver said out loud, “he just tries so hard, and I just want to help.”
What a gesture! I caught a glimpse of the man outside my window, and the look on his face sent a shiver down my spine. He was just so happy. This woman had shown him such kindness, and expected nothing in return. His, was the look of someone who, at least in that moment, realized that they are not alone in this world.
He was waiting there for this woman. He knew she was coming, and he accepted her gift graciously and without guilt. This was something she had obviously done for him on more then one occasion. There is a lot to be learned from this story.
- Give back. I don’t think I can over-estimate the benefit giving to those in need will have for your soul. You will fall asleep a little quicker, and smile a little bigger knowing that you have made a difference in the life of another.
- Do not shrink away from kindness when it is directed towards you. Accept help if you need it, and pay it forward when you can. You don’t have to do it on your own, and if you allow yourself to see, you will be able to observe all the people in your life who support and believe in you
So pay it forwards in anyway you can. It doesn’t even have to cost you a dime. A smile, directed at someone who needs it, can make all the difference in the world.