A Smile Knows No Language Barriers

--by mouse, posted Aug 21, 2008

I was visiting my sister a couple of weeks ago and it was snowing hard, in between bursts of icy raindrops. My husband and I dived into a coffee shop for a quick burst of heat. Sitting there watching the rain run down the window and people battle with their umbrellas all I could focus on was the one girl standing outside of the shopping centre selling a homeless magazine. Her approach wasn't pushy, just to ask if anyone wanted to buy it and then avert her gaze to the puddles on the ground. So many people walked past weighed down by bags of goodies from the sales that I began to feel quite sad.

I sent my husband back to the counter to buy her what I had just enjoyed -- a big hot chocolate with cream. Her smile melted my heart when I handed it over to her. She was foreign so her English wasn't great, but a smile knows no language barriers. I toyed with the idea that maybe just buying her 'what I had' wasn't right and that I should go to ask her what she would like. But then I convinced myself that if I did ask her she might feel less happy to accept and so for a brief moment our lives were one. Ironically though, as she had a smile on her face, I had a tear in my eye - as if we'd swapped lives for a split second.

6668 Reads

Posted by mouse
Aug 21, 2008
Comments (17)

Readers Comments

lmil1954 wrote: Good for you mouse, nice story. You made her day, I'm sure. Linda:)

AURELIA wrote: Oh Mouse, You are so sweet. Thank you for noticing her and putting yourself in her shoes!!!! You are an inspiration to us. :) ~Aurelia

lOVEBUG wrote: You had what My life has been like, ships crossing in the dark. But I believe those split seconds add to others light. God Bless

makesomeonesmile wrote: That is great, thanks for caring and making a difference!

cabbage wrote: I really like the idea of giving her what you had just enjoyed--- I think you acted straight from the heart---and that's always right! Bless you for your kindness....

irongrace wrote: thank you You warmed my heart

Daffodil wrote: This story really warmed my heart. We need more of this in this world.

SANYOGITA wrote: A very touching story.One day I was out with my family for ice-cream.As we entered the parlour,a girl started begging for money.My mom,gave her ice-cream.She was happy n glad to receive it.

aparnaaiesec wrote: jst beautiful.hope you add many more smiles to such faces! god bless u :)

swirly023 wrote: Very kind :) More people should do this more often. Thanks for being a blessing to this girl!

Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

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