Unforgotten Kindnesses
In eighth grade I stood alone in the schoolyard every morning, a book my best friend, as I waited for the morning bell. I was a new student and not bold enough, or maybe not interested enough, in making friends.
Despite that, two students invited me to join their little circle of friends. I still stood on the outskirts of that circle, reading my book, rarely joining in conversation, yet their kindness touched some deep part of me. They became my best friends until I moved away.
At the ACFW conference I wasn't a disinterested stranger. From the moment I arrived, I met people I knew. Talked incessantly and smiled always. The night of the awards banquet was different. I showed up late and entered a packed room. Saw no one I knew well enough to sit with. And for the first time, I felt alone. I made my way through tables, scanning for someone I knew, wishing I would've hurried and feeling a strange sense of deja vu.
Then I heard my name.
Katie Ganshert was calling my name. She and other bloggers had saved me a seat.
I rushed toward her, not alone, so relieved I felt like crying.
These are two instances of kindness that might seem small to someone else, but to me, they'll never be forgotten.
What was the last kindness you showed? Have your characters experienced a kindness that changed their life?
Despite that, two students invited me to join their little circle of friends. I still stood on the outskirts of that circle, reading my book, rarely joining in conversation, yet their kindness touched some deep part of me. They became my best friends until I moved away.
At the ACFW conference I wasn't a disinterested stranger. From the moment I arrived, I met people I knew. Talked incessantly and smiled always. The night of the awards banquet was different. I showed up late and entered a packed room. Saw no one I knew well enough to sit with. And for the first time, I felt alone. I made my way through tables, scanning for someone I knew, wishing I would've hurried and feeling a strange sense of deja vu.
Then I heard my name.
Katie Ganshert was calling my name. She and other bloggers had saved me a seat.
I rushed toward her, not alone, so relieved I felt like crying.
These are two instances of kindness that might seem small to someone else, but to me, they'll never be forgotten.
What was the last kindness you showed? Have your characters experienced a kindness that changed their life?
Comments
But hey, they WANTED to be seen with someone like you! Don't give them so much credit1!!! LOL
Have a great one!
Patti
Jennifer, I KNOW!!! I need to work on being the kind of person that makes others feel welcome like they've made me feel.
I can't remember a recent instance when I stopped to show a kindness, but I hope that's because kindness has become part of my everyday regime without me wittingly setting out to do it. Does that make sense? I strive to be consistently kind. That's my aspiration. ;-)
As for my characters, in the last historical love story I wrote, my hero sold a very special keepsake and gave the money to the heroine so she could keep her nieces and her estate. He expected nothing in return and was prepared to walk out of her life like she had insisted he do. But that kindness eventually broke through the shell she'd built around her heart and brought them together. That just goes to show that by being kind without expectations, you might be rewarded in ways you never dreamed. :-)
Yay for the kindness of God through his lovely children!
Oh, I like this post a lot (but then I always like your posts).
One of my characters reaches out to her sister-in-law, who isn't the easiest person to be around. She buys some of her favorite foods and invites her to lunch.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Great story, Jessica. I don't know a soul at ACFW & I'm a little intimidated already.
I can imagine that!
I'm the one who instantly feels as though I'm going to run out of the building if I don't have someone to sit with...so I can certainly understand.
That was ver special for them to do such a kind thing for you.
When I was a single mom and living in poverty with two sons, a woman I never met before, put a $20 bill in my hand while we both waited in line at the post office. She smiled at me and said, "God told me to do this." And then she walked away. I can remember this day from over 30 years ago like it just happened and thank God for that lady!
Thanks for sharing this.
Anita, I agree with your comment! That's how I'd like to live too.
Linda, I didn't realize you were alone. :-( Since you left before me I assumed you had people you were meeting... I'm sorry you were alone. :-(
Sherrinda, maybe I'll see you there next year? I hope!
Thank you all for your comments and sharing such touching stories, or commiserating. :-)
Angie M, I hope I do that too.
Your stories about kindnesses were very encouraging. I hope I'm that person for someone else.