Kind acts not only live forever in the heart, but also are effective teaching tools. One of the coolest things I have experienced since the birth of my granddaughter Hailey more than seven years ago is that whenever an animal or human needs assistance or a prayer, she happens to be with me. I affectionately call her my little “magic magnet,” for I know there is always a great purpose behind each one of these divinely guided spiritual encounters.
Hailey and I were in the car and had just turned onto the road, leaving one of her favorite parks. We’d been traveling for less than a minute when I noticed a painted turtle up ahead, trying desperately to cross to the other side of the road as cars drove over it between their tires.
I announced, “Hailey, we have a turtle to save! Are you ready?”
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Hailey said in return, “Yes, Grandma. Save him!”
I pulled safely off the road and rolled down the window so Hailey could watch a good deed in action (and give me direction if needed from her car seat). I got out and, as I stood by the side of the road, cars continued rolling over the turtle as it tried to cross. I was dumbfounded as to why people wouldn’t stop or slow down for one minute so I could pick up the creature and move it.
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So I did what any kindergarten crossing guard would do. I raised my hand at the next car that approached and said, “Stop!” The driver halted the moment I raised my hand. I stooped down, picked up the painted turtle, and brought him or her (I’m not sure which—I didn’t pay much attention in science class) to its intended destination.
I heard Hailey yell from the window. “We saved him, Grandma!”
After I got back in the car Hailey said again, “We saved that turtle, didn’t we, Grandma.”
I said, “Absolutely!”
A few minutes later, we were back on the highway, heading east, when we came upon an illuminated billboard. These billboards change every twenty seconds or so, beaming a new digital advertisement. As we approached, the billboard changed, and up popped an ad for the Minnesota Zoo. The image that flashed across it was a larger-than-life photo of a painted turtle.
I shouted, “Hailey, look, that turtle is thanking us for saving its life!”
What are the chances that we would save a painted turtle and then moments later pass by a billboard that just happens to change to a picture of a painted turtle the minute we drive by it? I’m not a betting woman. I don’t even like casinos, but I bet the odds are about a ba-jillion to one. This, my friends, is what a spiritual sign from our Angels and Spirit Guides looks like. I believe they were saying, “Thank you, ladies, for taking the time to save one of God’s creatures.”
People learn about kindness in many different ways. Some of us learn by demonstration and others by getting involved. However you learn is right for you; what’s important is to be open to the learning process so you can grow your spirit.
Treat all the creatures that come across your path with kindness. If you see someone being unkind to a creature, help that soul move into their heart by way of your compassionate words or demonstration. In order to initiate change in another we must be able to show another the importance of moving from the head and living from the heart space. The heart is where compassion and love resides.“There is no heart that beats in a human being or earthly creature that does not respond positively to love and kindness. It is simple kindness that paves the way for love to flow in freely and land upon a weary heart.”
~As found in The Book of Simple Human Truths by Molly Friedenfeld www.thebookofsimplehumantruths.com
Peace and Love,
Molly Friedenfeld
