It's so amazing to see grace and kindness expressed by complete strangers. In Branson a few weeks ago, we were shopping the outlet malls with the Ellemans and the kids (Emma, Davis & Carley Elleman). While waiting for everyone to finish up shopping, I took Emma outside to play on one of those kiddie rides. I didn't have any change, so Emma was just climbing on the little car. We were there about 5 minutes when a man in his 50's walked up and handed me 50 cents. He didn't say a word, but nodded when I said thanks, and flashed a big smile when Emma said "tank ooo". It was so sweet and wonderful to receive such a wonderful (and cheap) gift from someone we will never see again.
Again, the other night, the family went to Hastings to rent some movies. The routine is this: chase Emma around while we try to find a movie we want to see. Then Emma and I go to the front of the store and play with the game machines while Allison checks out. Hastings has one of the crane games, where you put in some money and try to get out a toy lodged between many other toys. She usually just plays with the joystick and points to the toys inside. 2 punk looking guys (who I seriously thought were stoned out of their minds) walked up to play the game. I pulled Emma aside and let her watch what the thing is actually supposed to do when you put money in. She laughed and smiled as the crane dropped down, but the guy didn't win anything. The guy then turned to Emma and handed her 50 cents for her to play and walked out with his friend. We didn't win anything, but Emma loved moving the crane around with the joystck!
Why is it that little acts of kindness can have such incredible impact on others? And if they DO make such an impact, why do we not do them more? The feeling contagious.
1 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on December 31, 2005 at 8:27 AM.
Again, the other night, the family went to Hastings to rent some movies. The routine is this: chase Emma around while we try to find a movie we want to see. Then Emma and I go to the front of the store and play with the game machines while Allison checks out. Hastings has one of the crane games, where you put in some money and try to get out a toy lodged between many other toys. She usually just plays with the joystick and points to the toys inside. 2 punk looking guys (who I seriously thought were stoned out of their minds) walked up to play the game. I pulled Emma aside and let her watch what the thing is actually supposed to do when you put money in. She laughed and smiled as the crane dropped down, but the guy didn't win anything. The guy then turned to Emma and handed her 50 cents for her to play and walked out with his friend. We didn't win anything, but Emma loved moving the crane around with the joystck!
Why is it that little acts of kindness can have such incredible impact on others? And if they DO make such an impact, why do we not do them more? The feeling contagious.
Pay it Forward.
Josh