#kindessmatters

marnieperlstein

KINDNESS MATTERS

While working on this @goodtype submission, I thought a lot about a moment last week when my son and I went out to pick up some food and were approached by a soft-spoken man named Chris who was looking for help. When he first addressed me, I was totally prepared to say “I don’t have any cash” or “sorry, can’t tonight.” It’s so easy to be dismissive and skeptical in these situations, but thankfully this time I wasn’t. 

I asked if he wanted something to eat, and had him come in with us. He ordered his food, looking back at me multiple times to make sure he wasn’t overstepping my generosity, but I kept urging him to get what he wanted. We were taking our food to-go, so I handed him his receipt for his food while he was getting his drink, introduced myself and offered a few words of encouragement before my son and I walked out with our to-go order. 

From the car I could see Chris settling at a table with his food. I still wasn’t completely sure if I had truly helped a person in need, but what’s the harm in offering kindness to a stranger right? 

Then my son spoke up from the back seat, and I suddenly became aware that he had witnessed the entire interaction with this stranger. He asked me a lot of questions about Chris, most of which I didn’t have answers to, and mentioned that he was a little worried when we were first approached. But the conversation was an amazing opportunity to discuss treating others with kindness, and how to safely do so in situations that seem uncomfortable.