Since learning as a child in Sunday School we could possibly entertain angels
and not be aware of it; I have tried to be kind to everyone. Those same Sunday
School classes taught us the Golden Rule. I have made an effort to do good
wherever and whenever I could. These lessons have remained at the forefront of
my mind.
Learning Sunday School and Bible Study lessons have helped me
through this journey called life. Spiritual parental supervision seasoned with
more love than I could ever use have been a tremendous blessing, as well.
Although I do not have biological children, I have shared with family,
friends and strangers that if I had children, I would be kind to everyone
because my children would reap the benefits of my kindness. It is something I am
convinced of because of my life. I am receiving blessings that have not been
earned or merited by my deeds. My parents were doers and givers. No one was ever
denied their kindness. They gave to everyone and shared whatever they had with
others. Their giving spirit has proven to be a beautiful legacy left to their
children.
Presently, I am working on a project that is beyond my
skill-set in many ways. I have searched the Internet and found a forum for help.
It has been two weeks and I have found the kindness of strangers who are
demonstrating the same spirit of giving taught by my parents and at church.
These people have given many hours of their time without monetary compensation.
I suggested payment to one young man and he was highly offended.
This
young man and I have formed a partnership of sorts. We have learned from each
other. We have already had a falling out, so to speak, but a bond has formed
between two people who care about others. He is young enough to be my son and I
feel maternal towards him. He has a brilliant mind and is wise beyond his
twenty-four years. We have communicated through tense moments that are apart of
life and are moving forward. It is refreshing getting to know someone with such
maturity and gentleness.
As we worked on a new project earlier today, he
asked what I had in mind. He wanted to know my ideas about something. In my
excitement throughout the day, I had failed to eat anything except a piece of
fruit. I answered him, "well, I hadn't thought about it." My tummy was talking
to me too and I had decided I would make an omelet and toast. He came back with,
"knowing as little as I do but as much as I do about you, I think you'd want
something religious etc . . . and something for dentists . . . " What he said
caused my eyes to mist over with tears. This young man has listened to me, kept
an open mind, learned things about me and could think for me.
I let him
know, "yeah, that's what I had in mind but my hunger is making me daft!" He
laughed out loud and told me to get a bite to eat and I could check something he
was working on when I returned.
I am privileged to enjoy the kindness of
this 24-year old Dutchman. We have discovered we have visited some of the same
places in Europe. He is fluent in four languages and we communicate in three of
them. I have learned basic words in Dutch and have amazed him when I answer in
Dutch.
Earlier, I was wondering if he'd gone out with his girlfriend but
he popped online. It is Friday night and six hours later in Holland. I have
learned his girlfriend is a student and works part-time. She had fallen asleep
on the couch which allowed him computer time. He came online to check my
progress on our project. It pleased him and that made me happy.
We never
know how others will impact our lives when we meet them, whether online or in
real life. Because I had a problem and not the solution, in my search, he
provided the solution and so much more. We have become friends. I find that
incredible! The invoice I would receive for his services would be astronomical!
I do not take lightly how he has blessed me with his knowledge, time, expertise,
friendship and kindness.
This young man's kindness has encouraged me to
do more. . . to be more. . . to give more. . . to help more. . . and to tell you
about him. Be kind to everyone. How we treat others is important. And if you are
a parent, believe it or not, your children will be affected by your deeds. I
know that to be true.
Copyright 2008 Avis Ward of
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
