“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)
Unfortunately, in this modern world that we are all a part of, taking care of ourselves and families is another rat-race. Amidst all the melee it is quite difficult to be kind, especially when doing so would put you in a bind. Sometimes at that moment we feel that by lending a hand we end up giving up our desires and dreams. Yet little do we know that how far that little bit of kindness can go. Ideally, the random acts of kindness should be done expecting nothing in return. As by kindness is when we light others by our own inner flame. Small acts of kindness, a lending hand or even a simple hug, are one among the many essence of humaneness that makes the darkness fade away. Over the years, we realize that we have been blessed with two hands, one to lend and one to help ourselves or receive help. There is a story that I had once read about the mechanic. Although I don’t know if it’s true or not, this story reminds me of life’s surprises courtesy of random acts of kindness.
Story of the Mechanic
Jimmy is an automotive mechanic, but he has not worked for some time now. He always has a good heart, but always feared applying for a new job. One day, he gathered up all his strength and finally decided he will attend an interview. All dressed up in a neat white shirt and slacks pants, he went on his way. His appointment was at 10 am and it’s already 8:30. While waiting for a bus to ride going to the office where he is supposed to be interviewed, he saw an elderly man frantically kicking the tire of his car. Obvious that the there is something wrong with the car, Jimmy offered to help the old man with the problem. While he was working on the car, Jimmy told the old man that he was supposed to go to an interview as a mechanic in one company but would probably miss it because he would not be able to make it on time.
When Jimmy finished working on the old man’s car, the old man asked him how much for the service. Jimmy said there’s no need to pay him because it was not work for him, just helped someone in need. “Well, I could offer to take you to the office for your interview. It’s the least I could do, please I insist” the old man was persistent. So he agreed.
At the waiting room of the Company Jimmy has applied for, there was a long line of applicants waiting to be interviewed, and he was told that the interviewer was late. A sigh of relief for Jimmy, but other applicants looked over to him because he still has some grease on him left after the car repair. He did not have much time to wash it off or have a change of shirt.
One by one, the applicants left the interviewer’s office with gloomy looks on their faces, a sign of disappointment.
Then his name was called, the secretary escorted him to the office. A cup of coffee was served for him; the interviewer was sitting on an executive chair facing towards the office window. Rocking the executive chair back and forth he asked “Do you really need to be interviewed?” Jimmy’s heart sank. The room suddenly became a confined space for him. “With the way I look now, how could I possibly pass this interview?” he thought to himself.
Then the interviewer turned the chair and to Jimmy’s surprise, it was the old man he helped earlier in the morning. It turned out; he was the General Manager of the company Jimmy was applying at. “Sorry I had to keep you waiting, but I was pretty sure I made the right decision of having you as part of our workforce before you even stepped into this office. I just know you’d be a trustworthy worker, congratulations.” Jimmy sat down as they shared a cup of well-deserved coffee as he landed himself a new job.
-Short story by Jayson M. Familara
Although the surprises of kindness follows the common adage “you reap what you sow”. Yet as time goes by, we realize that kindness should be done without expecting anything in return. Instead, our inner light should want to do the random act of goodness. And that by itself, should give us light at times of trouble.
To quote Amelia Earhart, “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Whether we get the shade of the tree or not, globally the new trees will benefit the ecosystem as a whole.
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