Intentional Kindness

I am notorious for being in my own little world. As I walk and bike around the city heading for a destination or just out on my own, I put on my iPod and slip away into my head. Random thoughts churning through my mind, being analysed and processed, as I am oblivious to everything around me. And I mean everything. I have had treasured long-term friends come right up to me as I was walking and I seem to look right through them. I often wonder what else I am missing. Maybe I'm not missing stuff but instead it is captured by my mind until some other moment when it come back to me as a random thought. I may never understand how my head works. I hope I am not missing important moments. The movie Stranger Than Fiction has a line it in that I constantly refer to- Life is full of moments. Some mundane, some significant, never knowing which are which.
I am thankful not to be surrounded by people like myself self-centered and blind. Instead, I am bless to have people who are infinitely aware of opportunities and moments around them. Their acts of kindness are not random but ready and intentional.
On Friday night, our baseball team played a double header. I had biked out to the games and it was after 10pm when the games finished. My friends Rob & Kristie-also teammates-always bring their vehicle with a bike rack to ensure I have a safe ride home. Thanks Rob & Kristie. But this pass Friday, as we were chatting and getting ready to leave, Rick Dykstra- who plays on another team- came over to ensure that I wasn't biking home in the dark, through construction, on the busy streets. He said it was no problem to throw the bike in his van and take me home- despite that it was late, not on his way and holding off getting home to the family a little bit earlier. Thanks, Rick.
Last night, after a long meeting, I again was getting ready to bike home(this time just a few blocks) but it was around 10:30pm and dark downtown. Sharon DeVries kindly walked over and checked with me, offering to put my bike in the van and give me a ride home. Also out of her way and delaying returning to her family. Thanks Sharon.
I'm glad I didn't miss these small but significant moments- this intentional kindness. I am thankful to be supported by such a great community. I need to be more aware.