Stories by heartofflesh (22 matches)

A 72 Year-Old Gem

Today, I was at an ATM that is situated inside a petrol bunk.  The security guard (who was a 72 year-old man) gently reminded me that I cannot use my cell phone inside the ATM.  When I came outside, I had a desire to talk with him. At first, I felt a little sympathetic.  In my initial impression, he seemed like a poor, elderly retired man who was still working at this ATM.  I ended up listening to him.   He spoke to me about his family, and particularly about his son and daughter. He told me that his daughter always cares for him, even though she is married herself. Then he described his son, who "has a heart of stone".  He advised me me to save money for my old age (not that I am all that young :)), and I told him that I give away everything, trusting in the bounty ... Read Full Story >>

Two In A Taxi For Four

The "share-taxi" normally wouldn't have left until it had four paying passengers in it. The only other passenger was a lady who seemed to be in quite a hurry, so I agreed to pay the remaining fares and got in.

Her mother had suffered a heart attack and this lady was going to collect her and take her to hospital. She started chatting, telling me how her two elder sisters do not care for her mother. She does all she can for her mother while having a husband and two children to look after. 

She had just pawned her jewels in order to raise money in a hurry.

She was glad to have someone to talk to until we reached her destination. I wished her well and said a silent prayer.

Rice In Chennai Station

I was having something to eat at the central railway station in Chennai when I noticed an old man entering the canteen. He asked the man behind the counter for some food but, as he obviously couldn't pay, none was forthcoming.

So, I indicated to the canteen worker to serve some rice and paid for it without the old man noticing.
 
The old man had the food and left. And I was left with a warm feeling of love and compasion.
 
"It is in giving that one receives." Thank you Saint Francis of Assisi!

Power of Kind Words

Sometime back, I was at a meeting at my church, and I was not particularly in a good mood. I was neither happy nor unhappy, and in a very indifferent frame of mind. Deep down I was restless.

Then I overheard someone talking about me to another person. It went something like, "He is a great guy and very often misunderstood..."
That was all I needed. That comment lifted my spirit, and suddenly brightened my day. It was like finding the rainbow in a very unexpected way.

They're just little things--small compliments or kind words of encouragement. But they can completely change our world.

How Dirty Shoes Bloom Roses

This past Sunday, I was in a generous mood. I am not always like that, but it started when I went to the roadside shoe repairer. I asked him to polish my shoes, and he told me it would cost twenty rupees. When he finished polishing, I was moved to offer him 30 rupees. That's when he caught me off guard. Smilingly, he accepted only twenty rupees and lightly told me that he was content. He would not take anything extra. I was pleasantly surprised by his attitude, and also learned such a big lesson. In a world where most people try to grab as much as they can, his simplicity came across like a breath of fresh air. With the 10 rupees that the shoe polisher refused, I went and bought roses from the roadside flower seller. She happened to be a old lady. (If you are familiar with India, you will often ... Read Full Story >>

A Double Act of Kindness

I had the opportunity to help two people today.

A young lady had parked her car in a no parking zone near the Anna Nagar roundabout in Chennai, India.  She was upset and was anxiously asking people what to do because the wheel of her car had been locked with a special lock so that she could not drive it. 

She would have to pay a fine to get the lock removed but she seemed to be very scared of dealing with the police.  I accompanied her to a police van parked a little way away and dealt with the police officer on her behalf.  I paid the fine of Rs.150 on her behalf and she reimbursed me later.  She was so relieved to be able to drive her car off again and thanked me several times. 

Later during the day, I came across a young poor couple who were trying to deposit a check at the bank where I have an account.  They had been given a check for Rs. 6,000 by the government which is given to new mothers.  They appeared confused and were unable to fill out the forms.  I helped them with that I hope I eased some of their confusion. 
 

Blessing The Silent Majority

I gave some money to the old man who sells posters on a footpath I use. 

Kindness At The Post Office

I helped a young man at the post office who is working in our city. He had just received his salary and was was trying to send money to two different people. 

Ramping it Up

I am helping a doctor to make an addition to a hospital . The hospital needs to provide an emergency exit in the form of a ramp for the hospital building which has four floors. I am helping the hospital owners to build this ramp made up of steel sections. We hope to complete this work soon, so the patients will receive the benefit. It is all about people.   ... Read Full Story >>

The Power Of A Friendly Chat

Last week I met up with a friend whose mother had died.

We had a chat and I shared few jokes and we had a good laugh. Just a chat very informal. Laughter is not such a bad medicine. We ended up making each other happy.

No agenda. Only the sheer joy of living!

Spent the Night

My cousin, who is disabled, was going to be alone last night because all of his brothers and their families had gone to attend a family reunion hosted by a relative visiting from Switzerland. So, I went to stay with him in the evening.

His family returned late at night, and I had to spend the night and leave early in the morning at 4:30 AM to get back to my own family. It was the least I could do to give a little bit of my time!

Street Cleaner

This morning I received a wonderful surprise. As I was walking down my street, an elderly neighbor recognized me as the person who cleans our street and vacant plots used as dumping grounds. He appreciated my work and also handed me some money. His gesture made my day and it was an heartwarming act. It meant so much to me and he filled my heart with joy. I love such tiny meetings.

Have a pleasant week ahead of you. Be kind to yourself. Please walk a few blocks, look at the blue sky, and say a blessing for the person who cleans your street. 

Busy Road Crossing

As I was returning home after attending a wedding reception,an opportunity came my way to help a blind couple.  I helped them cross the busy road and guided them to a cafe where they were given some takeaway food.

The cafe owner did not charge them. It was tough crossing the road with all the chaos of an Indian city. The whole experience made me realize how fortunate I had been. 
 

My Street Is Your Street

I am determined to clean up my street and also some empty plots in my street of things thrown on them. Sometimes people wonder why I do. In India people do not think twice before dumping things on vacant plots. Please say a prayer for me and the residents of my street. Hope to share about many things including this one.

Small Things

We have a neighbourhood tea shop and very often I go there to a have cup of tea and sit inside and spend some time reading books.

The shop owner is always happy to welcome me and his warm welcome makes my day. These are the people I live for. They are simply happy to see you. Life is in the small things.

Have a good day!

List

I have a list of friends and constantly pray for them
My friend, Philip a retired officer ( a widower ) and we spend a lot of time together with fellowship of food and drinks. He also attend some online Bible classes.

One poor widow Miss D... who seeks help now and then because of her social status and struggles.

My disabled special friend who went through thyroid operations , teaching in a school for special children and has financial problems. I try to help her now and then.

My brother bed ridden with Parkinson dementia and my handicapped cousin Mr. C.. who is such a blessing to all of us.

My friend Ms.Far and her daughter who has been good friend for along time.

Praying and connecting with them is part of my idea of kindness.
We have to support each other as we go about our life !
Thankyou for reading !

Helping Someone Who Helps Others

To try to offer support, I helped apply for an Aadhaar card for a school teacher who was about to have surgery. The Aadhaar card is kind of like Social Security in the USA.

The day before her operation we were able to take her pictures and personal details needed to claim the insurance for her surgery. Although she did not have many of the documents necessary for obtaining the card, we somehow managed to complete the form with the help of the school where she works as proof of identity and address.

I'm excited to share the happy news that she just received the approval information online. And my efforts to help her were not in vain. Thank goodness she got it.

Finally, things are falling in place for her, and the Gods are smiling.

Being There

I made a site visit to the outskirts of our city Chennai India along with my client. He is in the process of trying to sell some plots which are part of a large Lay-out.
He was very happy I accompanied him. Sometimes you need to be available and also help them professionally so that they have better hope.

This too is kindness, that is, giving my time and being with him and also helping him to get back some of the money he has invested in the land.
Being an architect I give him right advice. More importantly he has complete confidence in me.
My presence reassures him and we get along well.
Please wish him well!

Kind Biscuits

I was walking after the Covenant Service on the wide main road. I noticed the watchman in uniform  outside a high rise  apartment. He was on a chair on the footpath. You have to know Indian cities to understand the pathetic   conditions of such watchmen.
I asked him whether I can offer him some biscuits. He accepted happily and gratefully. I was hesitant to ask him because he was a watchman not a beggar. He was happy to be noticed and given.
Have a blessed week !

Dance Of The Soul !

It was only a fifteen minute bus journey.

I guided a mother and daughter to get down at the right bus stop so they can catch right bus to their destination.

Helped some on the front side of the bus to purchase tick

Lastly as I was getting down I asked the driver of the bus to stop a little longer so that an elderly woman can get in.

A fellow passenger, as he was walking along with me, told me this " I was very happy to see you help people and it was very heartwarming."

His words on a Monday morning and what they meant and the effect of that complement on my soul was priceless. I am dancing !

Blessed To Receive

Recently a good friend of mine, who is doing Ministry for Jesus Christ asked for my pant and shirt sizes. I gave it slightly puzzled. A week go I received a parcel of a readymade full pant and shirt of high quality.

I always found it easier to give than receive. When you receive with gratitude the giver is blessed. We should learn to give s well as receive. The source is the same.

Thank you for everything in life.
 

Wreath For Life’s Uncertainty

I learnt recently my friends's cousin lost her husband to sudden heart attack. She lives closer to my house in Chennai. My friend lives in London and so I placed a wreath on the body of the deceased on his behalf.

My friend was thankful.Sometimes you have to be there when people go through terrible times.
It waa a terible tragedy as the couple were planning to visit their daughter in USA at the end of the month.

Life goes on inspite of all the uncertainties !
 

Sadness in Common

When I First Came ...

Half A World Away

"Meet la Bestia, the Beast"

"Meet la Bestia, the Beast"

When Kindness Rolls Down Windows

When Kindness Rolls Down Windows