More often than before, I've been noticing that it's the way a simple "thank you" changes the tone of a conversation, or how a stranger's kindness can transform an ordinary day into something you carry in your heart. Like today.
This morning, after we were done with a doctor's appointment, my husband and I got on a bus, trying to navigate our way to the nearest IKEA. Online maps made it seem more complicated than expected, and as we spoke with the bus driver to confirm the route, one of the passengers overheard our conversation.
She was a woman in her forties, probably, with her head gear and all the layers of protection one expects in Canadian winters. More than anything, her smile stood out. She gave us directions in brief and we took our seats a few rows behind hers. We presumed that she was a regular on this bus route.
Then something extraordinary happened. Just as we approached our stop, she got up from her seat, walked over, and gave us detailed directions. What made it even more remarkable was the driver's thoughtful action, he stopped the bus at the perfect place to make our walk shorter and easier. Did I mention it was a bitterly cold day, with temperatures well below zero and snow flurries swirling around us?
These small, selfless gestures warmed more than just our bodies; they filled our hearts with gratitude. It's moments like these that remind us of the quiet humanness that surrounds us.
I'm glad for these gentle reminders that make sure we pause and notice, kindness is everywhere. We simply need to pass it on to the next person we meet, and surprise them in the most unexpected ways.
Needless to say, we thanked them, got off the bus, and made a dash to IKEA, all smiles! Thank you for staying with me.
Until next time,
Stay warm.