On the Eleventh Day of December . . .

• kristijojedlicki
Desmond Tutu Quote About Kindness

Photo Credit: Pinterest

After experiencing some technical difficulties this evening, I proved triumphant and am happy and relieved to be able to share another example of the true spirit of giving this season.  I experienced such a simple moment of kindness this afternoon, courtesy of a stranger in the parking lot of a local charitable organization.  This encounter proved once again that kindness can be found in the most unlikely of places, thanks to the most unlikely of people.

As I exited my car to head across the parking lot to a meeting, I noticed an older gentlemen nearby who was struggling to balance about half a dozen packages of dinner rolls.  I didn’t recognize him, but I recognized the plastic shopping bags, somewhat mismatched, rumpled clothing, and well-worn shoes that often are telltale signs of homelessness.  As I walked toward him, our eyes met, and we exchanged smiles, as I asked if he needed help with his packages of rolls.  His immediate response was, “Here, why don’t you take a few of these for yourself”, as several of the packages slipped from his hands and landed on the pavement.  As I scooped up the packages, I thanked him for his generous offer, but said that he needed to keep the rolls for himself.  What he said next melted my heart.

As I helped to steady the packages in his arms, this kind stranger grinned broadly and said, “Are you sure you don’t want any?  I will share mine with you, just like the good people here shared them with me.”  I, again, thanked him for the offer, but I gently declined.  When I told him how much I appreciated him being kind to me, this dear soul replied, “Well, you seem like a nice lady, and sharing is what it’s all about.”  Yes, it is.

Just one thing each day . . .

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23 thoughts on “On the Eleventh Day of December . . .”

  1. Heart-warming and so tender the soul you met was. Indeed, sharing IS what it’s all about. I have missed a few days of reading but so glad tonight is the night I am able to catch up! 😉 Blessings to you friend. ~Matthew

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  11. I’d love to hear your feelings on the following comment: I’ve heard that those who have less give more, relatively speaking, than those who have more. Not sure if that’s factually true or not. Certainly there have been some amazing philanthropists like Bill & Melinda Gates. I’m definitely not trying to lampoon the rich, that’s not what I’m about. I think I’m more questioning the insidious nature of money. Or maybe it’s just about people and personalities, and has nothing to do with money. Anyway, this is a nice story. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. That’s a great question actually. I don’t know what the research would show, but I think that I have heard a similar theory that those who are not as wealthy give more that their wealthier counterparts. I am sure that one’s personality has something to do with it, as well. I hope that we all can find a way to give of our time, talent, and/or treasure in our own way to help others.

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