The day had been long and arduous, bitter cold with a biting wind, too many errands and way too much traffic. I was dead tired and longing to get home although I still needed to pick up the book waiting for me at my local library. Having arrived shortly before closing, I picked up my book and was in the process of checking it out when I noticed a small girl, no bigger than a minute, holding an open box of Valentine chocolates and offering them to the librarians behind the counter. I turned to watch. She then came over to me and held out a gold foil-wrapped heart from her box.
“For me?” I asked her. She nodded.
“Thank you so much, that’s very nice of you. Can you tell me your name?”
“Grace,” she whispered.
“Thank you, Grace. That’s a beautiful name and it suits you perfectly! And shall I tell you why?”
Grace nodded.
“Because grace is about being gracious, thoughtful and kind and that’s exactly like you. You’re giving all of us a special treat today.”
Her box by now was almost empty. A man whom I guessed to be her grandfather stood nearby.
“She’s delightful,” I said. “You must be very proud.”
“I am indeed”, he replied. “It was totally her idea to do this.”
I unwrapped my gift. It was a dark chocolate heart.
Amazing, isn’t it, how one thoughtful gesture can be the moment that redeems your day? A moment of grace.
4 Responses
Very nice.
Makes my day, dear Polly. And in these times we surely need such making. (Oh, and I wish
I had been in the library that day — would have snaffled one!)
Lovely and significant that I read this just after reading the UCC conference mewsletter about 250 acts of kindness to celebrate the 250 anniversary of our country. How powerful! Borgie
So sweet in multiple ways, Polly. Thank you for sharing this wonderful reminder to pay attention to and cherish the magical heart-healing power of small acts of kindness.