It was a very busy, long morning. I had back-to-back-to-back conferences with kids and parents and my principal that filled every break. Still, classes went mostly well, and I felt like I sort of knew how to teach.
Then I went to cnn.com just as lunch was starting--just 5 minutes to spare before I had to meet parents. Wow. Just wow. I struggled to keep myself together. I didn't want to be crying when I met with the parents. But children--little children--shot and killed . . . .
Then I went to cnn.com just as lunch was starting--just 5 minutes to spare before I had to meet parents. Wow. Just wow. I struggled to keep myself together. I didn't want to be crying when I met with the parents. But children--little children--shot and killed . . . .
The parents were lovely, by the way, asking great questions about their son and telling me how much he likes my class, which really surprised them, because he's a math/science guy. Turns out he thinks I'm funny.
I went straight to the church after work to continue working on our Christmas program. It's a huge undertaking, and I don't know how anyone could do it alone. I left feeling grateful for many hands and heads that make light work.
And then I went to the Hungry Onion. I visit this no-name, decades-old burger place every couple of weeks. It's the kind of place where you drive up and the carhop comes out to take your order. (It's the Humdinger of Meridian, Idaho.)
I'd been planning this visit for days. I prayed on the way there that God would make sure that just the right person came to take my order. I'd never seen her before. I'd guess she was in her late 20s or early 30s. I wonder why she is working at a burger place? Single mom? College student?
I placed my order. I knew it would cost a little over $5.00, so I got out a 5-dollar bill, a 1-dollar bill, and a 100-dollar bill. I folded the 100 inside the other two. I prayed for her while I waited. She looked very sweet and kind. My heart beat faster as she brought me my food. I took it and handed her the money, saying "Merry Christmas" and "you can keep the change." She said "Merry Christmas to you, too." I started to back up my car, and I could see her starting to unfold the money. She stopped, turned around and took a step toward my car, starting to hold the money out to me. I paused, smiled, nodded my head and pointed to her. She smiled and mouthed "thank you." I cried as I drove away.
I placed my order. I knew it would cost a little over $5.00, so I got out a 5-dollar bill, a 1-dollar bill, and a 100-dollar bill. I folded the 100 inside the other two. I prayed for her while I waited. She looked very sweet and kind. My heart beat faster as she brought me my food. I took it and handed her the money, saying "Merry Christmas" and "you can keep the change." She said "Merry Christmas to you, too." I started to back up my car, and I could see her starting to unfold the money. She stopped, turned around and took a step toward my car, starting to hold the money out to me. I paused, smiled, nodded my head and pointed to her. She smiled and mouthed "thank you." I cried as I drove away.
It was one of the best things I've ever done.
Maybe you'll say I am generous, but mostly I am blessed beyond measure.
And on this day when the unthinkable occurred, I pray that my small act made one life a little better.
That's beautiful, Miss Roberts! Thanks for posting this on such a sad day. It really helps!
ReplyDeleteCried again.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me cry every time. I still feel like I'm tooting my horn, but mostly I just needed to write about how we get through a day like this.
DeleteThanks for this story Laurie. The feeling that comes with doing random acts of kindness is a joyous feeling and attached is the urge to shout it out to all. However, so often we are told to do it quietly and NOT toot our own horn. With all the terrible news from today, and not to mention so many other depressing reported events we read daily, this was a good way to end the day. I say if tooting your own horn will result in more stories like this, then let's start tooting! Let's do random acts of kindness, share, and inspire. Thanks for your kindness, sharing and inspiring. May God bless you always :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cecilia! I think you are absolutely right about this. I truly felt compelled to write my story, and in my heart I knew that my intention was to inspire. Thank you for your encouraging words.
DeleteBless you and merry Christmas!
God Bless you Laur! This is the kind of story people really need to read, not just today but every day. Nothing heals our own hearts, like giving to others. Oh man, I can just see grandpa smiling right now! I can also imagine a young woman who slept a little better tonight, because of your kindness.
ReplyDeleteOh, Anita, thank you so. I love the idea that we are caring on grandpa's legacy of tipping large! It is truly one way to take love, joy, and peace into the world every chance we get.
DeleteThank you for sharing this beautiful story. Small kindnesses add up. Change begins with each individual. It's up to us to throw the rocks in the water, each and every day, and it's up to God to extend out the ripples.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteOh Laur....sobbing....I love you and are so proud to be your Aunt, pastor, friend.
ReplyDeletesuie
ooops....crying so hard I couldn't spell my name.
ReplyDeleteSusie
((((HUG))))
ReplyDeleteFeels Wonderful doesn't it?!!!
Wonderful post...
hughugs