We might not have come across angels; as in heavenly immortal beings, but literature in the sense of metaphors has allowed to express that on earth. As such, phrases like “heaven sent,” “an angel” have been used to describe people who have been a great help to others in times of need. In situations when they never expected such help, not even coming from a stranger to say, which is what makes it more interesting and gives rise to the above phrases, aroused by the feeling such a moment brought.
One way or another, we might have been recipients of the help from one stranger or another. People that we neither knew nor perhaps have seen in our lives. All of a sudden, they show up in a critical moment and save the day. I tell you, such people can hardly be forgotten by the recipients of such kindness. We might forget it when it comes from someone we know, but from a stranger, we can hardly let go of such memories. Not for anything, but because it was an unsolicited kindness, which is rare in our world today.
I've received help from friends, loved ones and people that I know. I've also received help from unknown faces. The most recent one that I wish to share was a kindness on a sunny day. What I'll share might not mean much or sound like a big deal considering the overwhelming acts strangers have shown some people or even you reading this. Yet, to me, it counts as something worthwhile to share. Not for the nature of the help but the intention, heart and willful desire.
It was a hot and sunny day, and I was walking out of the local government secretariat, where I had gone for a task. The sun was really hitting hard, and I had quite a distance to walk as public vehicular movement wasn't possible inside the premises. Sometimes, I take this walk with other people, which kind of makes it easier. Though I make it on my own too. But there was something about the sun that day that made having a car a necessary desire.
Wonderful it was when a stranger pulled up. Without question, an elderly lady asked me to hop in. I couldn't remember the last I had such a privilege. As such, I didn't get the gesture at first. Then I realised she wanted to give me a ride. I gladly accepted the kind gesture and hopped in. We finally reached my destination in a short while. Though she was willing to do more, it happened that our direction wasn't the same, so I had to appreciate her for such thoughtfulness and kindheartedness and alight.
I haven't come across her again, though I've gone to that same location different times after that. Nevertheless, I'm not forgetting this little but impactful help rendered unto me. As I said, it wasn't about the nature of the help, but the impact, the intention and the heart that it came from. I imagine how much help in this form and other forms she could be rendering to people. It left me with a lesson; to offer help even in the little way I can, to the known and unknown, the familiar and unfamiliar to me.
Images are AI generated.