As much as I love seeing strangers work
together for a common goal (see A Good
Samaritan), it’s even better when a stranger demonstrates care for me with an
act of generosity. Coming out the front doors of the store (as I was bringing
in carts) was a stranger (let’s call him, “Hodges”) in tan coveralls, boots,
and a hat. He informed me that he framed houses. The work was grueling in the
freezing February weather in central Ohio.
Hodges (somewhere in the age range of
twenty to thirty) proudly displayed the two pairs of heavy duty lined gloves
he’d just purchased. He pointed to the general direction of where he’d found
them. As a Utility Worker, he thought these would be helpful to me. Hodges then
exited the store.
The best part of this story happened
when Hodges reentered the store, and found me. Before I realized what was
happening, his wallet came out, and I was offered money for a pair of gloves
identical to his. I thanked Hodges for his kindness, and assured him I could
afford a pair. I was deeply touched by a Hodges’ desire to help me with a common
need we both had.
Recounting this story almost makes me
want to cry. You never know what another person is going through when you bless
them with something positive. It might be the highlight of there whole day.
Maybe someone was going to make a bad decision when your small act of
bigheartedness (whatever it was) changed the whole trajectory of their
existence. Don’t underestimate the power of caring for someone. Literally it
can be the difference between life and death. You (alone) can make a positive
difference.
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