2012-12-17

Julie was still puzzled by random acts of kindness.

            She had watched strangers give confused travelers guidance in Prague. She saw some youngsters help an old lady in Milan. An old man had held a door open for some people in Rio. A young girl had returned a dropped wallet in Mumbai. An honest thank you was said when it wasn’t even needed in Melbourne.

            On and on and on she had seen thousands of acts of random kindness all over the world. Even in old NYC, a complete stranger had grabbed he directions when a gust of wind had blown it out of her hand.

            But in the end, it only confused her more.

            People could be kind, they could be nice, they could be down right charitable.

            So why didn’t seem to make a difference?

            Maybe it would be even worse if NOBODY was trying to be nice at all.

            Travelers wandering around lost. An old lady left helpless. An old man turned callous. A young girl turned into a thief. A rude person being snide. An uncaring stranger ignoring obvious distress.

            Was this the world we want?

            Isn’t only more kindness the answer?

            “Are you done?” the officer asked.

            “But don’t you see?” Julie asked urged.

            “Yes ma’am,” he replied flatly. “I see that none of that has to do with you running a stop sign, driving fifteen over the speed limit, or not wearing your seat belt.”

            He stopped writing on the pad he was holding. The trooper ripped off a sheet and handed it to Julie along with her license and registration.

            “You have thirty days to pay the amount stated on the back or to schedule a court hearing to contest this citation. Any questions?”

            “But what about—” she started to plead again.

            “Watch where you’re going, slow it down next time, and buckle your safety belt. Have a nice day ma’am,” he said with a nod of his hat.