Unexpected Kindness

This is not the man whom I met; Google image.

A few weeks back I was in grouchiest of moods. The experience I am about to share showed me how amazingly powerful love and kindness are and how both can come from unexpected places.

It all began one afternoon when I went to the gym to run off some steam. So many fears, frustrations, and ugly emotions were peaking out of me all at once the last 24 hours and I needed an outlet. My mom and I have been walking together at the gym to make sure the cold northern winter doesn't turn us into hibernating bear lard. She recommended a walk was definitely in order on my grouchy day.

I could tell I wore a, "don't mess with me," face and sent out that, "don't look at me, talk to me, or touch me," vibe as we walked into the gym. I've been upset before, but this day was over the top. Ever have one of those days?

We entered the track and all I could think was, "relax, chill, everything is going to be OK, just run it off." I couldn't shake it, I could feel myself sinking into this black hole of negativity. As my "walk" began I found myself running, and at an unusually fast pace. Haha. All of a sudden I had a fuel to really ruuuun!

I generally notice people wherever I go. It's a natural thing I do pretty much everywhere. What can I say, I like people. On this particular day, some mentally handicap people were using the track as well. I didn't pay too much attention though and just tried to stick to my running.

After a few rounds, I couldn't help notice this guy who began to stare at me. I had passed him before, but for some reason this time he couldn't stop staring. I broke down and rummaged up the best "hi" I could to him. I could tell my smile was beyond noticeably fake. To my surprise, he responded back with a beautiful smile and boisterous "hiiiiiii!!!" As simple as this was, a sense of love filled my heart and tears filled my eyes. Rather than treating me how I was feeling, he was loving and kind.

All my walls came tumbling down from this guy, who the world says is mentally handicapped.

I watched him go around the track. He was utterly happy and FULL of joy. He would gradually pick up his pace, throw his hands up in the air (you know, like the pros when they cross the finish line), and bust out a peace sign in the right hand.

I knew the Lord had sent this amazing person my way. In a time when I didn't deserve love, He chooses to give love anyway. He uses those who are willing to share love with anyone, even if that anyone is at their lower point.

I learned two things that day...

1) God loves me, a lot, and knows how to get to my heart. He's not scared of my mess. Amazing feeling.

and

2) This mentally handicapped guy may not posses the capacity to be a civil engineer, scientist, or be a business analyst, but he posses more genuine love than I have seen in most. That love is worth more than any position, title, or amount of money. As the Visa/MasterCard commercial would say, "priceless." I am grateful to him for being willing to share so freely with me his love and kindness. He has my respect and honor.

Thanks for reading...