Stories by Gilgenbach (3 matches)

Be Open. Be Ready. Look for Opportunities to be Kind.

Today I prayed for ideas on ways to be kind. My first opportunity came at a restaurant. A little girl dropped a dollar and walked off. I picked up the dollar and ran after her, giving it to her mother. "She dropped this," I said. Then at the store, there was an elderly man looking at firewood. He had a cane, and I couldn't see him carrying the firewood by himself, so I approached him and asked if he needed help. He said that he was just looking, but he seemed grateful that I asked. Inside the store, I found a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Uncertain who to give them to, I got into the check-out line. I only had two items, but a man came behind me with one, so I let him go first. I bought my mother her favorite candy bar, and I had the flowers but no one to give ... Read Full Story >>

7449 Reads

Learning Kindness From A Neighbor

Last winter, I had tons of snow on my driveway. My mom asked me to help shovel, since dad was working. I shoveled and shoveled mounds of the white stuff, panting and sweating and silently complaining. My good neighbor saw that I was struggling, came over and helped me finish up. We chatted a few seconds. I can't remember what was said, but I suddenly felt bad for my rotten attitude. This man was pretty much a stranger helping me out without asking, and I couldn't shovel for my own family without feeling sore about it. The year passed and I didn't think much about his kindness, until yesterday. The neighbor was working on his house with a group of his buddies. It was a fairly mild day, but if you were moving about you would probably work up a bit of a sweat and a good thirst. I wrote a quick note, ran down to the ... Read Full Story >>

4948 Reads

Your Love Language

Some days, you know, it's hard to find kind things to do!    Today was one of those. I couldn't open the store door for anyone since it's automatic. I couldn't buy anyone else a meal since I didn't have any cash or credit card on me.   However ... I could use my words! And I did.   My cousin was feeling picked on and looked down on. I made sure I told her the truth, reminding her of what she's accomplished: she's smart, is certified in her field, and is creative.   Then there is my friend who is having publishing woes. Her book was supposed to come out next month but her editor left and now her project might get cut. I made sure I shared my sympathies and told her that I would pray for the best outcome (and I did.)   That's all it takes sometimes, especially when you're like me and your "love language" ... Read Full Story >>

4202 Reads



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