We are in town for the World’s Ninja competition, my kiddo and I. Yesterday he did pretty good! Today his nerves got to him, and it showed. We talked how things like this happen.
We talked about different ways you win – against your doubts, against your fears, against your emotions. We had some quiet reflecting time. We had some time cheering on others. We left and had some recharge time. We looked for things in the area and had some relaxing, fun time.
All these big things today, right? Whew, right. Then I had this great idea to get dinner at the Sam’s Club cafe because it is super cheap and sounded pretty good – budget friendly and taste buds friendly, win/win!
Then in the parking lot, my kiddo smiled at a woman. My kiddos, whether uncomfortable around strangers or not, tend to make good choices to be polite and respectful. (Insert proud momma smile)
This woman stopped me with tears in her eyes to say how much it meant that my kiddo smiled at her. She was homeless and had been looked down upon by people all day. She didn’t ask me for anything. She just wanted to share how much it meant to her to be smiled at by a stranger. ❤
We chatted with her for awhile and hopefully left her better than we found her. Everyone has a story. And some people struggle more than others. Yes, I am aware of all of the warnings that people will say right now. I will tell you that my heart felt no danger with this woman. I go in to abandoned buildings in bad areas with unsanctioned people around for a living. I pay attention to the dangers. Today, I only saw another human struggling. If there are addictions and weights holding her down, I hope, from her time with us, that maybe she found a little hope in this world to keep fighting for things to get better. She was desperate. She was hungry. She was hot. And she was so touched by my kiddo giving her a simple smile that she cried.
Tonight I am thankful that today ended with an even more valuable lesson about the different ways to win in life. It is amazing the importance that one small act of kindness can do. ❤
Momma's Silver Lining 