Stamp of Kindness

The air had a hint of autumn, but the noon sun was a constant reminder of the hot summer that was coming to a close. As I drove downtown to complete my long list of errands, I decided to park in a spot near the center of all my destinations. That way, I could enjoy the beauty of the day and get some exercise, and I would not have to get my two children in and out of their car seats at each stop. So, finding the perfect spot, I parked, and off we went—newborn, toddler, mother, and stroller—to complete errand number one.

I marked each errand off my list as we finished it. Finally we returned to the car, put our parcels in the trunk, and grabbed the package to be mailed. I was down to my last errand—the post office.

It was one errand too many. My previously pleasant helpers immediately turned into tired, fussy children as I entered the postal lobby. Both, in their own language demanded to be held.

As I tried to calm children, hold my package, and push my stroller along in the line, a few people stepped in front of me.

Frustrated, I decided I would have to mail the package another day, and I headed for the door. Just as I was about to leave, a gentleman stopped me. “Ma’am, have you finished your business here?” he asked kindly.

The mood in the lobby changed. He and his friend offered to help with the children. The lady at the front of the line invited me to go ahead of her. People began conversing one with another, sharing details about their families. I mailed my package, thanked those who had helped me, and left.

I often think of that day in the post office when one man’s small act of kindness brought forth the goodness in so many others.