Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Rant # 11

A story on the evening news got my attention last night. It was about a cop and a young boy at a McDonald's restaurant. The boy was 10 cents short of being able to buy 3 cookies and asked the officer for help. The policeman bought the boy his cookies, then engaged him In a short conversation about what he wanted to be when he grew up. He encouraged the boy to work hard and follow his dream of becoming an NBA star. He then left the restaurant and within seconds was shot and killed.

On it's face that is a tragic story certainly. But the inspiring part is how that officer's last act on this earth was a simple act of kindness. Because of what happened that boy's life will be changed in a positive way forever.

For me it was a reminder of how very important those little kind acts can be. We never know what kind of lasting affect our actions might have. Those small things can turn into big things that we will probably never know about. We need to make an effort to take advantage of every opportunity to show others our loving spirit. We need to live every moment as if it might be our last. I refer to it as living in the now. The past can't be changed. The future is unknown but we have a lot of control over what we do right here, right now. Even something as simple as a smile can alter the course of a person's day.

Ordinary miracles happen all the time. If we keep that in mind we can see marvels right before our eyes every day. The little things can fill us with awe. The miracle of the mountains for example. Just appreciate what your eyes behold. Then pass on the joy and wonder of what you behold .

Peace and Love,

Austin/Bill

9 comments:

  1. Another Right On blog. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression, so why not make it a positive one? You just never know what other people are going through and a kind smile might be just what they need. Keep up the great work Bill, love your blogs.

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  2. Thank you Linda. That means a lot coming from you. Your comment was one of those small acts of kindness I was talking about. My day begins with an extra dose of positivity!

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  3. Bill I think you need a better name for your blog. I would not call this a rant which if you went by the dictionary is :To speak or write in an angry or violent manner; rave. I have not read any ranting here but more like prose.

    what do you think of "Howe Did You Know" or what about "Howe Do You Like That"

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  4. I saw a piece about this story on the news yesterday & it brought tears to my eyes. Those tears were for the very reason you describe --- the officer's small act of kindness that will be remembered forever.

    While tragic, this story is an excellent reminder of the power of the smallest act of kindness --- & we all have that power.

    I must agree with Duke's comment above but for different reasons. If you use unique titles for each blog (with keywords) your blog will be found by more people through searches. If this doesn't make sense, shot me an email & I'll explain.

    Heidi & Atticus
    http://www.atticusuncensored.com
    "commentary to give you paws..."

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  5. What a tragic yet moving story Bill. Thank you for sharing. I am always saying that life is too short. So, I completely endorse what you say about "live every moment as if it might be our last". It really could be.

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  6. This story really shocked me - caught me up short. I had not heard it. It's hard to move away from the horror of the story to appreciate what you are saying, which of course is true--it is so easy to see certain days or moments as "not counting" or not significant. We forget how each moment can hold a great deal. Great reminder.


    Judy Stone-Goldman
    The Reflective Writer
    http://www.thereflectivewriter.con/blog/
    Personal-Professional Balance Through Writing

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  8. sometimes we just move thorough our lives without really thinking about our actions and the consequences. It always surprises me when an ex student of mine stops me in the street to thank me for something i had said or done that had really made an impact on them years earlier..or that it had changed their thinking...sometimes even changed their lives...sometimes I cannot even remember the student, never mind what it was I had said or done that was so important to them. For me I am trying to make more of an effort to "Be in the moment" and to try to be more aware of my words and my actions (both positive and negative)as we never really know how or when those words and actions will affect someone else...we only that that they do and they will

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  9. Bill,

    What a wonderful reminder even in the face of such a tragic story. I hadn't heard the story before reading it here and it (and the rest of your post) brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for spreading this message. Little acts of kindness will be remembered forever.

    Trish
    www.robertssister.com
    caregiving. family. advocacy.

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