Kindness

It was snowing a little at where she was. Her eyes began to feel tired. It was not easy for her. Not easy at all. Her heart was heavy. It felt…it felt…hopeless. Is it not Christmas? Is there no Joy?

‘Where is this Joy? I can’t feel anything!’

She sat down at the park bench. A sharp icy breeze blew. She shivered at its presence. Wandering through the city, it was taking a toll on her. She felt she could no longer bear it.

She took out her small booklet.

‘Dear diary. I have finally decided. So much pain and misery. I will walk another block. It wont be far from the bridge. For mom and dad. If u find this, I just wanna say I love you.’

She tuck it neatly in her pocket. After taking a deep breath, she stood up, and began to walk out of the park. There is only one thing in her mind. And one thing alone. She would be on a mission. A quick one. There doesn’t seem to be any good that she can find in this world. None. So, she would walk this one last block, in search of kindness. Whatever the shape it is in. What would happen if she failed? Or rather, when there is none to be found? Well..the bridge would be her last place to leave her footprints on this earth. She continued walking. Depression is tough.

* * *

Ahh..Christmas night. What a night. Dave took his umbrella and walked out the door. It felt different somehow this year. It just did. He could not place a finger to it, but it sure felt weird. There were less people walking the streets, and its just icy cold. Brrr….

Why would he come out and walk, when he could very well enjoy the warm fireplace in his home? Well, it was not easy. Dave had bills to settle, chores to help out with, projects to run and review, not forgetting reports to be written that night. And yet, he felt he should leave it all for now. Trust God for His providence.

From a far, he saw a figure walking towards him. It was a lady, and her eyes met his. For that moment, time stopped. Just for that moment. Then he smiled. It was odd. He did not know why, nor did he understand what he did. He just smiled, and looked at the lady. The lady’s expression soon changed. And they walked past each other.

It would take Dave a few more months to know what really happened that night.

* * * *

She saw a figure in the distance. She could see the bridge now. Just a little bit more. Then, the figure stood under a streetlight. She wondered who it was. Nevertheless, she stood there. Motionless. Speechless. Devoid of expression. Then, she saw it. Her mission. She saw his smile. It had created something inside her. What’s this? She could feel it. It’s a Feeling!! She had feelings once more! After all those years of numbness and depression. She did what she could only think of at that moment. She remembered the man’s face and looked him in the eyes. She smiled back. It was Joy. It was Peace. It was Kindness. She walked past him and headed for the bridge.

Taking off her scarf, she let out a deep breath. God finally gave me a new life. She left her scarf there.And finally…. She went home. And felt warmth, love, joy and peace. She could feel again.

* * * * *

Standing in front of the crowded hallway. She met Dave. She shook his hand, and smiled. On the months that would follow, she would be telling people how it took only a smile at the right time, to change her life. And especially to Dave. The only person who smiled to her, that night.

* * * *

Many a times, we keep forgetting that kindness comes in different packages. Can we really identify it when we see it? Can we spread enough kindness around? Many times, kindness comes in unexpected ways. Like the above, kindness came in a smile. It was a smile that the lady was looking for. If Dave had not smiled that night, she would have ended her life. So my friends, thank and appreciate all that you have for now. Look for kindness, and when you see it, give thanks to God. Even better, spread kindness around. Sometimes, all it takes is just a smile! J

May you have a Blessed Christmas and a Joyful New Year…full of kindness and hope from Christ.

p/s: just want to give thanks to Matthew and Alan for giving me a lift! Thanks bro! I appreciate your kindness