Small acts of kindness reinforce our culture as a people

Since this is Heritage Month in Bermuda, I want to emphasize a part of our culture that is almost a dying art.  

We are known worldwide for this culture and have been much loved because of it. 

Last Saturday I experienced it and it warmed the cockles of my heart to know that it is still alive and well.

I had a series of unfortunate circumstances last weekend and was without a single dime and no transportation.  

I lost the only bus ticket I had and I was stranded near Grotto Bay.  

I only had a $100 bill and the bus was right there, it was early in the morning and no one had money to change it. 

Being not much of a walker, I really didn’t want to walk home; so I braved myself enough to beg the mercy of a bus driver. 

Fortunately for me, this kind driver after hearing my dilemma allowed me to get onto his bus and advised me that once I got into Hamilton I could pay my fare.  

I was so relieved and grateful for his kindness.  I will just call the driver Mr WT — so you see the culture of kindness that Bermuda is so infamous for still reigns.  

Thank you Mr WT for showing kindness and mercy to me last Saturday by allowing me on your bus. May you be rewarded for your kindness.

I have been truly blessed because all through my life, God has sent kind people in my midst.  

I have one friend who constantly makes me breakfast or lunch on any given day. 

I have friends who would just roll up on me and give me a few bucks and it is always just when I need it most.

I’ve always had bosses or supervisors who have been exceedingly kind to me. My co-workers have also been kind, and through this medium I wish to thank them all. 

Compassion

I can’t list them by name because it would take the whole page, but they know who they are — the Caroldeys, the Carol-Anns, the Allisons, the Ameenahs, the Rubys, the Applebys, my family, all of you — thank you.  

In Islam, Allah says don’t thank Him until you have thanked the people!

The following is a story that I would like to share with you.

It was a bitter, cold evening. The old man’s beard was glazed by winter’s frost while he waited for a ride across the river. 

The wait seemed endless. His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind. 

He heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves galloping along the frozen path.

Anxiously, he watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. 

He let the first one pass by without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by... and another.

As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider’s eye and said, “Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn’t appear to be a passageway by foot.”

Reining his horse, the rider replied, “Sure thing. Hop aboard.”

The horseman took the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, which was just a few miles away.

As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman’s curiosity caused him to inquire, “Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass by without making an effort to secure a ride. 

“Then I came up and you immediately asked me for a ride. I’m curious why, on such a bitter winter night; you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused and left you there?”

The old man lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the rider straight in the eyes, and replied, “I’ve been around here for some time. I reckon I know people pretty good.”

The old-timer continued, “I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw there was no concern for my situation. 

“It would have been useless even to ask them for a ride. 

“But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. I knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need.” 

Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman deeply.

Giving

“I’m most grateful for what you have said,” he told the old man. 

“May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.”

Ya Allah, Make me among those about whom the Noble Qur’an has said: “And they give them preference over their own selves even though they are in need.” (Hashr 59:9)

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 

May we never be to busy or self-consumed to reach out with kindness to our fellowman.