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Today’s Gift (12-28)

The Sundance Kid

Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist
Gold Member
Jan 9, 2006
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Austin/Sausalito
“It is never too late, no matter how old you get because anytime or any point in your life you can always have a chance to make a difference. – George Eliot

I found this story (not sure of its origin) below that I want to share that is a great example of the above quote.

The Old Man on the Bench

In the bustling heart of the city, where the relentless rhythm of life often drowned out the soft whispers of kindness, there lived an old man named Mr. Charles. He was a fixture on the park bench outside the local library, his weathered hands clasped around a well-worn book, his eyes gazing out at the world with a quiet wisdom that seemed to hold the secrets of a thousand stories.

Most people hurried past, barely noticing him. To them, he was just another elderly man, invisible in the crowd. But for a young boy named Alex, Mr. Charles was a beacon of light in a sometimes-dark city. Alex often found himself drawn to the park bench, captivated by the stories that Mr. Charles would share, tales of adventure, of courage, and of the simple beauty of life that seemed to escape the hurried city dwellers.

One day, Alex arrived at the bench particularly troubled. He was struggling at school, feeling lost and inadequate. Sensing his distress, Mr. Charles put down his book and looked at Alex with a gentle smile. He didn't offer immediate advice, but instead, he shared a story about a young boy who once felt the same way, but who discovered his strength through perseverance and a love for learning.

Alex was mesmerized. Mr. Charles' words were like a soothing balm, reminding him that even in the face of challenges, there was always hope. From that day on, Alex would regularly visit the old man, sharing his worries, his triumphs, and his dreams. Mr. Charles listened patiently, offering words of encouragement and perspective that helped Alex navigate the complexities of growing up in the city.

As Alex grew older, he started to notice the impact Mr. Charles had on others. The lonely elderly woman who would sit on the bench beside him, exchanging stories and finding companionship. The young teenager who had been on the verge of dropping out of school but found renewed motivation through Mr. Charles' unwavering belief in his potential.

Years later, when Alex graduated from college, he returned to the park bench to share his news with Mr. Charles. As he looked into the old man's eyes, he saw a reflection of his own journey, a testament to the power of a single, kind soul to make a profound difference in countless lives.

Mr. Charles, though frail in his later years, still held a spark of life in his eyes. He simply smiled and said, "You see, Alex, even a simple bench can be a place where dreams take flight, if only we take the time to listen and believe."

And so, the old man on the park bench, who was often overlooked, left an enduring legacy, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outwards, touching the lives of many, and creating a ripple of hope in the world.

Let’s make a difference out there!

Ephesians 2:10

TSK
 
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