Stories of Kindness from Around the World

During one of the toughest weeks of my life (my father in law and my cousin had died and a colleague had committed suicide) I had the chance to experience surprising grace.

I was in my office, in between teaching classes when a young man came by. He was obviously very distraught and close to tears. He was an older student and always appeared like a tough guy, never showing emotion.

He had told me earlier, that he was dealing with some difficult family issues. He was a caregiver for his younger sister who was very ill. This day he came in sat down and just sobbed and sobbed until I thought he would burst.

He gasped for air, wailed and sobbed some more while I sat and patted his back.  I listened while he told me how he had been up all night in the hospital with his sister and that's why he couldn't take my exam that morning. I told him not to worry about it at all. He was clearly in no shape for an exam. I told him to go home and sleep and if he was up for it he could take it a few days later. I reassured him that I would do everything I could do help him get through the class. (He is a serious student, very bright and I know he was concerned about this). 

I just sat there while he sobbed. "I think she might die," he gasped. "What am I going to do?" It was clear to me that he had never expressed this fear out loud to anyone. It was as if a dam had just burst in him. I just listened, fully focused on him, his pain, and how he could cope and tried to offer some soft words of compassion and encouragement. 

After quite some time he composed himself. I reassured him again that it didn't matter to me when he took his exam and that I would help him through. Then he left. 

Afterwards, I felt like his visit was a blessing. To enable me to help him while I was in pain myself was the most incredible gift. I couldn't stop thinking about it.

God never gives us more than we can handle---and He sends angels our way in so many guises.