Random Acts of Kindness

There are so many stories people can tell about being rude. Some one who cut in line, stole a parking spot, or belittled you in some way.

This is not one of those stories.

I generally find that although the seasonal music contradicts it, people do not spread excessive cheer during Christmas time. The reason for the season seems to lean towards a great deal, instead of a great miracle. That is why I was so caught off guard this past Christmas, just a few shopping days left, in the parking lot of Canadian Tire.

My toddler was carrying a balloon. A beautiful bright green Christmas balloon, given to him in the store.  It was a smile maker, indeed.

And it was a windy day.

As I watched the balloon rip from my son's tight grip, and saw the look of sadness and disbelief on his face, I prepared myself for the inevitable tears. I was ready.

What I was not ready for was the overweight man that came bounding towards us. And then past us, and straight after that little green balloon.

My son and I watched in amazement as he chased after the stubborn balloon. First one isle over, then two. He would be so close, and attempt to step on the string, just as a gust of wind would come and take it further away. After five minutes of feeble attempts, I was sure he would give up.

You can imagine my surprise, then, and my son's absolute delight, when the man walked up to us a few minutes later, huffing and puffing, green balloon in hand.

'I couldn't let the little boy lose his balloon,' he said, 'Merry Christmas.'

The balloon has long since deflated, but the lesson that man taught me remains. Random acts of kindness are our way of bringing light into the world. They allow us to teach morals to our children in a world that, often, seems not to have any.

And if you live your life with light, everyone will know which way you went by the light left behind.

I thank you, Balloon Man, from the bottom of my heart.