In the end.

A pleasant exchange, really.  She filed in line behind us at the convenience store, picking up a few last minute items for the weekend.  We waited in line, little people being as patient as little people usually are.  Her husband stood close by her.  It was clear they were one of those couples that had been together long enough to act and think as one - not in a confining sort of way, but rather a beautiful thing.  They were, in essence, beautiful.  We shared some small talk about the hurricane, where we lived, what we love about the area and the people who live here, and that we hoped to see each other again.  

Then we moved on.  It was time for Malana’s community class and we were on our way.  

Simple.  Easy.  Connecting.  

My three year old daughter pulls me out of my comfort zone.  Mom!  Let’s go meet THOSE neighbours!  Really?  The ones that are inside their house with the curtains pulled and door shut?  Yes!!  Sigh.  Ok.  We march across the street, brother wanting to hold only his sister’s hand.  We walk up the front steps and knock on the door.  That’s right.  For no reason.  I formulate in my head what we will say but don’t have time to decide.  She opens the door just a crack and sticks her head out.  I don’t give her the chance to talk.  Hi!  I’m Terri Lynn and these are my kids and, uh, we just wanted to meet you!  

Awkward silence.  

Hi, she says.  

More silence.  Well, do you want to come in?  Malana already inside, I follow.  

We sat in their house with their whole family and malicious dog for a time.  We ate cookies.  Drank water.  And listened.  They talked and talked and pleasantly talked some more.  Almost as though they hadn’t talked to anyone in a while.

They we so KIND to us.

When we finally left, Malana spotted another house.  Hey Mom!  Now let’s go meet THOSE ones!  Oh baby.  Let’s go home.  Another day!

There’s a song by Jewel.  The repeated lyrics run through my head as I type.  “In the end, only kindness matters.”  Isn’t that true?  Not just for the recipients but also for the givers.  Fills her heart.  Creates a desire for more.  

Levels the playing field, really.  Teaches us that we are all the same.  Maybe with different looks, financial situations, families, health conditions, struggles.  But the same.  

Made by the same Creator and loved to the same depth.  

And that beautiful couple we met at the store?  Everyone around her dodged her and moved a little farther away.  She was hunched over a walker, moved very slowly, and her head was shaking vigourously and what looked to be very uncomfortably.  People avoided eye contact.  I’m sure she is accustomed to letting people address her “capable” husband instead of her.  But she was beautiful.  She talked with clarity and life.  

In the end, only kindness matters.  

I want people to be kind to myself and my children.  And I want us to have the joy of being kind to God’s precious, invaluable people.