Friday, April 11, 2008

A Small Act of Kindness

While walking home from getting a coffee, I picked up a screw that was lying in wait of an unsuspecting tire. A conversation ensued. Could there be a children's picture book showing the effects of small acts, such as picking up a screw? We envisioned on one side of the page a hand fingering the ribs of the screw. And the facing page a mom in a minivan full of children parking in the same spot. Would there be words, or just pictures? Does the screw come home to become an integral part of a school project or hold up shelving in a workshop where beautiful furniture is made?

While walking in the woods I came across a set of keys; weathered and lightly dressed in rust. We hung them from a nearby tree branch that cut the edge of the path. We couldn't relieve the panic and worry that occurred when the keys first went missing, but maybe if that keyless traveler walked that way again, those keys could offer some sense of being restored.

While walking the lovelies to school we said hello and smiled at the neighborhood woman who has trekked herself thin. Eyes cast downward, trapped in her own mind, I've watched her as she stops and starts mid driveway, mid sidewalk, mid parking lot. She's walking sun, rain or snow. Does acknowledging she exists, instead of ignoring her much the same as the litter that blows over from the strip mall, bring her closer to a reality that we could share?

I read a story once about how one person can make a huge difference in the world. I wonder if it can be done with infinitesimal acts of kindness.

No comments: