I'm on the scout committee for Joshua's scout troop. One responsibility that's mine is to arrange for campout locations.
Based upon a tip, I contacted someone, just outside Elizabethtown, KY, who has a cave on his property. I called him a month ago to ask if we could bring the scouts for a visit. I'd never talked with this man. He was friendly and allowed us to come camp in his cave.
We showed up this past Friday evening - 7:30ish. I was surprised. This guy is probably a bit younger than me. The goodness I encountered was surpassed by his kindness in person. He welcomed us (3 leaders and 10 or so boys) to his property and ferried all our gear out to the cave. In the morning, when he saw that we were packing up to leave, he drove out and ferried us back to our cars. He asked when he could expect us back and told us a year from now was too long.
Every part of this man to us, complete strangers, was kindness and goodness. I reflected on my experience on the drive home. I wanted to become less of who I am and more of who he is. I doubt anyone has EVER left an encounter with me thinking, "Wow, that guy is the kindest guy I've ever come across."
I suspect, in the not-to-distant future, my little corner of the world will desperately need more people like this guy. I know it's late for me, but if I work real hard at it, maybe I can be my version of this guy for people around me. Uugh. I have a long way to go and there's a lot of baggage I need to dump on the way.
