Perhaps I shouldn't read heart-touching stories like this post at Wheelie Catholic while pregnant, I just about started bawling.
"Stay safe," I said, seeing the snow falling beyond the door he held open.
He turned and looked at me. "I will. Don't worry about me." Then he paused. "Why are you so nice to me?"
This completely floored me. I suppose I am nice to him even though I think of him as the Angry Young Guy. I shrugged. "Because you remind me of me at your age," I replied.
I believe God gives us many chances to be examples of His love to others, and I believe Ruth took that chance and flew with it. You never know how your words and actions will affect another person. A simple wish for someone else's well-being could turn into a great friendship or bring someone closer to Christ. It seems the "Angry Young Guy" did take something away from the encounter Ruth described, and I pray that he uses the experience to center his outlook on hope rather than despair.
Thanks, Ruth.
Unfortunately, Ruth has had to disable comments on her blog due to spam.
1 comment:
Thanks for the link! I wanted to email Ruth, because it's the small things in life that make the most difference.
This week when I spoke to the parents, the 2nd grade school teachers were there, too, and one of them commented about one of the things I'd said...and it was something I didn't remember saying.
I was telling the parents about their responsiblities of parents, that at the baptism, they made promises, and if they won't go to Mass for themselves, will they go for their child's salvation?
And to soften the edge, apparently I said, "I don't have children...but I really ENVY all of you who do. Because of the importance of what you get to do...bring a soul to Heaven."
I don't remember saying it, not really, and it wasn't a planned sentence.
Just like the guy who left Ruth's house in tears...so was I, when I was told what I said.
They are small things, not connected....but apparently, they make a difference.
I hope angry guy finds other people who find him valuable, too. Maybe then, he won't be so angry. Poor kid.
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