When a Pen, a Hug and an Old Memory Collide
Last Friday was one of those days when everything wasn’t just right. My husband and I went to the bank to handle a situation that was long overdue for resolution. I was already agitated early on, right before we arrived at the parking lot.
Let me set the scene for you guys. My husband, Tin, and I were in the middle of a light hearted debate about testing my new bank card at the atm. He was insisting that I try it out before we left, but I was feeling too lazy to walk all the way back and had the ticking clock of a hair appointment in the back of my mind. Story spoiler: I should have just taken his advice. The card has been stuck in a ‘not working stage’ for four days now. Sigh.
Just as we were about to step into our car, a girl with a beautiful smile approached me and asked, “Hi, I am sorry, but are you Ruva?” her voice shaking and short of breath.
I nodded and then she asked, “Did you go to Dominican Convent High School?”
I nodded again.
She sighed deeply as she turned and wrapped both of her arms around me! It was not only polite ( it didn’t make me uncomfortable) , but also one of those tight, emotional hugs that catches you off guard. At that exact time, I felt bad because although her face was familiar, I couldn’t remember her. (I’m proud to say that I do now)
Then she continued, “I was your junior in high school, and you changed my life. Do you have a pen?“
…..A pen? Was this her follow-up thought? I was so confused, but I found one in my purse and gave it to her.
She quickly pulled out a booklet with meal vouchers, signed her name and handed it to me. By now, I was so teary-eyed and overwhelmed by everything happening. We hugged again and was trying my hardest to process her words: You changed my life.
The experience shook me positively. I did not remember this person, but a simple kind act as a teenager had had such a great impact that she could remember me after so many years. I mean, I left high school over ten years ago!
For me, this was a reminder to always display God’s love through every single one of our deeds. Kindness is like a breath of fresh air. Small acts of kindness – the things we say or the ways we deal with others are the riddle of their future that we perhaps may never guess or entirely understand. It may seem insignificant in that moment but leave a lasting impression on the person.
Kindness is beautiful because it usually shines through the small things: Giving a smile to someone who is down.
Helping a stranger without expecting anything in return.
Supporting people who feel unseen.
Doing these acts may not seem significant at first, but they are the ones that will be left in people’s hearts. And the main thing is to let your kindness be a product of a sincere heart – not because people are watching, but because it reflects who you are.
As Christians, we are Christ’s representatives. So, we must be gentle, even when it may be inconvenient, unnoticed or unreciprocated. We may not realize what battles others are fighting, but we can be the guiding light, the love and the one who encourages them in their lives.
Let your light shine in every encounter. It doesn’t need to be big actions- sometimes the “apparently unimportant” things might have the biggest effect. Friday’s encounter was a kind of humbling experience for me. While I was going on with my life, I might not have been aware of the impact of my actions on someone else but God was there to use me. It is indeed a wonderful privilege to be His instrument in such a way.
To the young woman who hugged me in the car park, thank you for reminding me that kindness matters.
And to everyone who gets a chance to read this: don’t underestimate simple acts of kindness.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
