A Shoe Seller Walks in the Shoes of Kindness

--by febrihana, posted Nov 13, 2010

Today, I felt terrible. My head was full of problems and confusion. I decided to take a walk even though I didn't know where I would go. The most extraordinary thing happened when I was out on this walk.

I saw an old man sitting on a chair. He was a seller of second-hand shoes. I thought he looked at least 70 years old. He seemed so tired and nobody was buying his shoes. I wanted to give him something but I had not brought anything with me.

Then, a little girl came toward him. I heard the child say, "Grandfather, may I polish your shoes?" That old man took pity on her, smiled and he gave her a shoe to polish.

The girl said, "I polish the shoe because I need money to buy my brother a new school uniform."

I heard this and tears came to my eyes. The old man answered, "Oh, little girl. Just stop doing this. Come with me and I will buy you a uniform." Then they walked to a market (I followed behind) and he bought her a uniform.

The girl was so happy. She said, "Thank you so much for doing this. May God bless you." Then she left, leaving the old man smiling.

He walked away from the market, but I stopped him. I whispered in his ear, "You are a hero! Thank you for your kindness!" As I walked away, I glanced back and I could see him still smiling.

I was blown away by the kindness I had just seen. Someone who had so little themselves, was able to show such incredible generosity! Amazing! My own sadness had completely disappeared, chased way by the light of this kind act.

I began realizing that I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope, some day, I can show my appreciation of what I have by following the example of the old man who only had a little, but shared it so beautifully with someone who had nothing.

58.8K Reads

Posted by febrihana
Nov 13, 2010
Comments (34)

Readers Comments

trueblue wrote: A smile costs nothing but gives so much, It enriches those who give without making poorer those who receive. smile is worth its weight in gold. ((big cheesy smile):-)

srinivas wrote: The problem with us, is that we think , all people expect us are having problems and and rest are ejoying life, alas, the truth is far from truth, inspite all the hurdles in life, we can act kindly, speak softly, understand other truthfully,and laugh heartily, - after all. Life is beautiful and joyful

Patti Harvey wrote: And the lesson here is the more you help someone else in need the bigger the reward that comes back to you.

Deneen wrote: What a lovely story. A walk always does the soul good, and this one even more than normal. Thanks for taking the time to notice all the good in the world!

namaste70 wrote: Beautiful! I loved it!

louismariae wrote: Wonderful inspiring story

shea wrote: Helping people on the computer

bob wrote: Bob <3 u

aishwarya wrote: It is a wonderful story.

sethi wrote: Thank you very much for sharing this inspirational story.

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