I once received a double whammy of random acts of kindness at a time of need. My bike chain got all tangled up suddenly, on a high street. I upturned the bike on the pavement and started to grapple with yanking the chain free...not easy. This cheerful man came up and proceeded to take over the job. He did it but was covered in greasy hands (which embarassed me). He didn't seem to mind though and, after I offered my deep thanks, went away as cheerfully as he had appeared.
I had black grease on my hands also so had to find a way of washing them. Nearby was a cafe that had a toilet. I propped my bike outside the shop and was hesitant about leaving it there unchained (didn't want to touch the fabric covered chain with my dirty hands). 3 people (who were chatting together nearby) had apparently seen this and came over. To my amazement, they offered to stand guard over my bike whilst I washed my hands! I could hardly believe it - seemed so unusual and heaven sent. I came out with cleaned hands and thanked them.
It saddens me somewhat that in our culture acts of kindness are seen as something we have to make an effort to do rather than our normal way of being.
It saddens me somewhat that in our culture acts of kindness are seen as something we have to make an effort to do rather than our normal way of being.
Yes, I know what you mean but, to the person receiving a kindness that is of no real consequence.
Today I saw a man whose dishevelled appearance and large holdall bag indicated to me that he was homeless. Without a second thought, I went up to him and gave him some money adding that I had been homeless so knew what it was like. I was surprised by how well mannered he was - calling me "madam" (I had a hat on!) and his face looked intelligent. I wondered what his story was....
Rather than just a couple of quid given out some sense off guilt, I once gave a homeless man twenty quid - without any kind of lecture what so ever.
Another time, I filled a cheap rucksack up with a warm winter coat that was never used, some toiletries and some food and gave it to a homeless man that I used to see quite often in the same place. It was obvious that he felt deeply ashamed about his situation, couldn't bring himself to look at people as they went past. Quite heartbreaking.
I have to be honest though, and say I'm not so charity minded these day's... (....there's a discussion waiting to be had....)
Yep, I've done this myself. Got together a couple of warm fleeces and some goodies etc.... the person I gave them too gave me a hug the following day! Plus they were smiling from ear to ear.