Kindness of the Back Roads
Near my home there is a winding back road. It was built many years ago along
the banks of a local river and it follows the river's path as it twists and
turns down the mountain to a town 16 miles away. I often take this old road
because it is the fastest way to make it to the closest interstate highway. The
trip down it is beautiful with its trees, pastures, and the flowing river
brightening your soul. Still, it also has long stretches of rough road that can
be tough on an old car. More than once I have stopped to help a motorist whose
car didn't quite make it all the way.
The latest time I did so was for a grandmother and her granddaughter. A visiting
pastor had already pulled over to help and together we were able to push her old
car to a wide spot off the road. She thanked us both and then thanked me again
after I dropped her and her young granddaughter off at her daughter's house.
That simple "thank you" brought a warmth of joy to my heart. It felt good being
able to help another soul. It felt great being able to share a little kindness
in this world. I drove away feeling like the richest man in the universe.
I was remembering this time again while the news was talking of the latest
financial scandal. It made me think of what the great journalist Charles Kuralt
once said: "The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the
acts of greed in the headlines." I pray that one day we all will be able to put
being kind, helping people, and loving each other over making money. When we do,
this world will be a giant step closer to the paradise that God meant for it to
be.
Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." May we
always love each other in our hearts, in our souls, and in our lives then. May
we share our love and kindness with others everyday along whatever back roads
our lives may take us. May we build a lasting wealth of loving-kindness for this
life and for the next.
By: Joseph J. Mazzella