Saturday, August 24, 2019

Seeing and Responding


Kindness makes any road easier to travel.
~ Margaret M. Painter

We will not be remembered by our words,
but by our kind deeds.

On July 29, Megan Ashley observed a kind deed unfold on her flight from San Diego to Nashville.  A 96-year-old lady was flying to Kansas.  Upon takeoff, the lady asked the man next to her if she could hold his hand.  Noticing that the lady was somewhat apprehensive, he kindly obliged.  He took the time to explain what was happening during the time in the air and again held the lady’s hand when the plane hit turbulence.  When the plane reached its destination, the man took the lady’s carryon, waited with her for a wheelchair and then stayed with her until she met her daughter.  The lady was so appreciative that she wanted the man to have her flight pretzels as a way of saying, “Thank you.”  Megan concluded her post by saying, “I walked away sobbing happy tears being so thankful for people like this wonderful human.  Hats off to you sir, for your kind heart and your compassion toward someone whom you’ve never met.  I have never been so touched on a flight before.  This truly made my week.”

Last Monday was 71-year-old Janice Hall’s day to run errands.  Since she did not have a car, she used her walker to go to the bank, post office, and shopping.  Janice is used to shopping and running errands without a car, but this was an especially hot and humid day in Oklahoma.  As she struggled to get home, Jibril Jennings, an airman from Tinker Air Force Base, drove by and then stopped to see if he could be of assistance.  With more than two miles to still walk to get home, Janice welcomed the help.  Jennings loaded the groceries and walker in his car and then took Janice home. 

Both instances were observed and recorded without the givers and recipients knowing they were being watched.  What a blessing that a need was observed, a solution willingly offered, and help was gratefully received.

* There are times we are observed, even when we are not aware of it.
* It’s important to have open eyes and hearts to see opportunities to be of help and then do something about the situation.
* Whether help is asked for or offered, be a gracious and grateful recipient.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Matthew 25:40

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

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