Learning to Drive: A Lesson in Kindness

Dear friends, today I want to share a story from my youth, a tale that taught me the importance of kindness. It’s a lesson I learned while learning to drive, a memory that has stayed with me throughout my life.

The Day I Learned to Drive

It was a sunny afternoon, the kind that makes you feel like anything is possible. My father, a stern but fair man, had decided it was time for me to learn to drive. We got into our old, trusty Ford and headed to an empty parking lot.

My hands were shaking as I gripped the steering wheel. My father, noticing my nervousness, gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Relax, son,” he said. “You’ll do just fine.”

The Unexpected Lesson

As we practiced, a stray dog wandered into the parking lot. It was skinny and looked scared. I wanted to stop and help, but I was worried about what my father would say. He was a practical man, not given to sentimentality.

But to my surprise, he told me to stop the car. We got out and approached the dog slowly, not wanting to scare it. My father took off his jacket and wrapped it around the shivering animal. We took it home, fed it, and gave it a warm place to sleep.

The Lesson in Kindness

That day, I learned more than just how to drive. I learned about kindness. My father, a man of few words, had shown me that kindness isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s about seeing someone in need and doing what you can to help.

Kindness, my friends, is a choice we make every day. It’s a way of living that enriches not just our lives, but the lives of those around us. It’s a lesson I’ve carried with me throughout my life, and one I hope to pass on to you.

So, the next time you see someone in need, remember the lesson I learned that day. Stop. Help. Be kind. You never know what impact your actions might have.

Until next time, remember to drive with kindness.

Kev