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Simple Acts of Kindness

Southern Pessimist
@SouthernPessimist
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For about the last two or three years, I have been a volunteer patient advocate for friends and relatives who have medical problems. I don't try to broadcast this, but word gets around. Many of the friends I have helped also attend Saturday evening Mass. Often seated one row in front of me is a woman who appears very frail and unsteady. She has a very strong tremor that involves not only her hands but rocks her head and body. A few months ago she spoke to me by name as I was leaving church. I was stunned that she knew my name and assumed she wanted to start a conversation, but other people were greeting me and she was gone before that could happen.

I did not see her again for many weeks. Last week she sat before me once again in the pew ahead. At some point in the service I felt a strong impulse to reach out to her. At the time for sharing the sign of peace, I leaned forward, touched her shoulder and someone kinder, and I hope wiser than me, said, "I haven't seen you in a while, welcome back."

She turned, smiled and said, "If you only knew."

She once again hurried away at the end of Mass. I am not sure in any way what this portends, but I do believe that every simple act of kindness is a seed that is planted by us but tended to by God.

This post was promoted to the Main Feed at the recommendation of Ricochet's members.

Discussion (8)

  • doulalady@doulalady

    A good reminder to speak up when we sense a need. Thank you.
    I’ve been thinking of asking our parish priest to let parishioners know that they can contact me to support them on their hospital visits. Quite a few have asked me to accompany them when they are scheduled for a surgery, I don’t know why. Just being a driver and companion can make a big difference for many people.

  • JoshuaFinch@JoshuaFinch
    The greatest irony of life is that our biggest pleasure comes from reaching out to another, providing help, or just giving the gift of a smile. Why should we exert ourselves for no tangible benefit? Yet the pleasure derived from giving is far greater than that of receiving. According to Jewish tradition, the beggar who receives your dollar gets credit for your good deed since, without him, you never would have given that dollar.
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