Kindness to strangers

Not too long ago I was in Macy's trying to find a baby shower gift for a friend. 

Suddenly a woman came near me and asked if I had seen a little girl. I said I hadn't, and so she quickly went past me. I was all involved going through little baby overalls I found on clearance. I saw her run into the dressing rooms calling for her daughter. Soon a little girl about 6 came out and the Mom hugged her, obviously both feeling very relieved.


But why didn't I stop what I was doing and go help her? I only thought of it after the fact. I pray daily that I will be in tune with others' needs and yet I let this one slip by me. 


I'm trying to be more aware. 
Then I found this video this morning...

9 comments:

Dad and Susan said...

This certainly hit home with me. I wonder if we all feel we can use some improvement in this area? Or, maybe there are some who are always nice and kind to everyone, as your father is. He's an excellent example. Love, Dad and Susan

Karen Mortensen said...

That was awesome Jill. Thanks so much for the reminder.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Wow!That's a fantastic lesson isn't it? Thanks for sharing Jill!

Scrapally said...

Jill, I am so happy to find out your are human! :) I know of many times that I missed my "cue" to do what I should...I always realize it AFTER...so I continually pray to try and be better. that's all we can do is keep trying, right? Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing! It's a great reminder...

Whitney Jay said...

I watched that video last night and was so touched by it. I love when the homeless man says, "It doesn't cost a penny to be polite".

Susan Anderson said...

At least you thought of it after the fact, Jill. I'm sorry to say that many people wouldn't have thought of helping her at all.

So I say this: Don't be too hard on yourself. You were distracted in that moment, but not for long. Moments later, you were thinking about her and caring.

=)

grandmapeg said...

I think most of us would 'think' about helping at the time, especially if it is a small child that has gotten lost. I always put myself in the mother's place and the panic that is being felt. The key is, is that we can start today to improve in this area.

Natalie said...

This very thing has been on my mind a lot the last few days. Thanks for sharing your experience and the video. You are so great, but I can relate to the feeling of kicking myself for thinking of that sort of thing moments too late. It just helps us to be more aware next time I think.

Eileen said...

Oh, this is something I think about a lot, and I'm trying to work on myself, but my first reaction all the time is to be interested in whatever I HAVE GOING ON at the moment.
Even just little things, such as the comment I left you about thinking someone should think and feel the way I do.
I have to try and have more empathy for others in any given situation.
Thanks for the reminder.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen

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