ailyn

The Hug That Bridged Hearts

In a cozy corner of the city, squeezed between busy streets and lively cafes, was a store where people sold their old stuff. Inside, old stories clung to the shelves, and each thing held memories. One sunny day, something nice was going to happen here.

Evelyn, a kind grandma, walked into the store with a plan. She saw a dress – colorful and young – it seemed to burst with happiness. She pictured her granddaughter, Lily, spinning around in it, giggles floating in the air.

But money was a problem for Evelyn. She felt bad but talked to the shop owner, Sarah. “Can you keep this dress for me?” Evelyn asked, her voice hoping for good news.

Just when she thought she’d have to leave the dress, someone behind her spoke. “Can I buy the dress for you?” The words were true, and Evelyn turned to see a lady – kind and full of love.

Evelyn felt thankful, but she said no politely. “Thank you, but I can’t take such a big gift,” she said, happy but unsure.

The lady smiled with understanding. “I get it,” she said gently. Then she shared her own story – a story of hard times and hope, a life on the edge of not knowing.

“I didn’t have a home for three years,” she said. Her voice carried the weight of her past. “Kind people I didn’t know helped me – food, blankets, smiles. Those nice things helped me get back on my feet.”

Evelyn listened quietly. “I’m not homeless anymore,” the lady said, a gentle smile on her lips. “I promised I’d be kind to others, just like they were to me.”

With strong feelings, the lady paid for the dress. It wasn’t just buying – it was like they became friends in a special way.

She turned to Evelyn. “A big hug is all I want,” she said, her eyes shining.

Evelyn hugged the lady, feeling a lot without words. Two lives came together – one giving kindness, the other receiving – all because of a simple act of love.

When they let go, their eyes met. They knew things that weren’t said. With a thankful nod, the lady went away. Evelyn held the dress, a promise for Lily’s joy, and a reminder that kindness, like their hug, could cross even the widest parts of life.

~ Brielle Jordan

Volunteerism

Volunteerism is one of those things which does not cost much and yields many rewards. Volunteerism requires an ‘investment’ of time and Energy which produces profits beyond the investment. Volunteerism is the willingness to be of service which improves quality of life. Volunteerism is performing an act (or acts) of kindness, freely giving of one’s talent, time and energy without being motivated by financial gain. Volunteers may have special training such as rescuers, guides, teachers, etc. or may be unskilled and untrained. Volunteer acts may be a onetime event or may be reoccurring. A volunteer act may serve an individual, a community, an animal, or the environment. The benefits of Volunteerism are enjoyed both personally and professionally.

Personally, a volunteer act is most rewarding. One feels a sense of achievement and satisfaction. There is magic in the feeling of freely adding value. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it well, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no person can sincerely try to help another without helping themselves”.

Volunteerism is a great way to teach values to children while being good for ‘family’ relationships. Doing a volunteer activity as a family is a good, shared experience for the whole family. Some believe that our modern society has lost the appreciation for the ‘value’ of service. Values are best taught by example, not lecture.

A great way to learn a new skill or behavior is through Volunteerism. If you are thinking of a career change, then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new occupations. In addition, many employers would prefer to hire a person who has volunteered over one who has not.

Etienne de Grellet (1773-1855) said, “I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”.

~ Loren D. Lasher

Kindness in Unexpected Places

Very heavy traffic on Highway One this evening on my bus ride from Jerusalem to Beit Shemesh. A couple of small children were making life very challenging for their parents.

A teenager approached the parents and asked if he could help. With the parents’ consent, the teen took the two small children to a part of the bus that was not as packed and played games with them.

They were entertained, they laughed, and certainly stopped the previous crying and complaining.

As the parents were about to get off the bus, they thanked the teen profusely, and noted that August is challenging for childcare. The teen, for his part, said that his August job had fallen through.

The teen and the parents exchanged phone numbers and said they would arrange babysitting. Thankfully, a couple of passengers on the bus said they knew the teen and could vouch for his good intentions.

So assuming the details can be worked out, the parents will now work a fuller schedule at their jobs with peace of mind about their children’s welfare over the coming month, and the teen had a summer job after all.

~ David Jablinowitz