A Dusty Search for Water
A man wiped sweat from his forehead as he walked down a dusty street in the scorching heat. His grey t-shirt was stained with perspiration, and his worn denim jeans were covered in dry dust from the road.
He walked toward a small brick storefront where an elderly man sat resting in a grey plastic chair against the exterior wall. The older man leaned back against the plaster, eyes heavy in the oppressive afternoon heat.
Stopping right in front of the doorway, the traveler raised his hand slightly and spoke. He asked if there was any cold water available in the store.
A Gentle Exchange
The traveler reached into his front pocket and pulled out a small bundle of cash. He laid out two metal coins and a folded bill across his open palm.
The elderly man pushed himself up from his chair and walked inside behind the glass door. Moments later, he stepped back outside holding a clear plastic bottle filled with chilled water.
Instead of taking a drink, the traveler pushed the bottle back into the elderly man’s hands. He shook his head softly and explained that the older man looked far more exhausted and needed the drink more.
The elderly man opened the plastic cap and lifted the bottle to his lips. He took several slow gulps before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Searching for Work
The following day, the traveler walked into a local auto repair workshop filled with metal tools, shelves, and heavy machinery. Dust motes drifted through shafts of sunlight pouring through the open roll-up door.
He approached a mechanic standing near a workbench who was wiping grease from his hands using a grey shop rag.
The traveler asked if the shop had any open positions for extra hands around the garage.
A Reward for Character
The mechanic stopped wiping his hands and looked closely at the traveler’s face. He asked directly if he was the man who had helped his father outside the shop the day before.
The traveler offered a gentle smile and acknowledged what had happened. The mechanic’s face lit up as he reached out his hand across the workbench.
The mechanic offered him a job on the spot, recognizing his character from his actions the previous day.
The two men grasped each other’s hands firmly in the center of the garage as sunlight streamed through the entrance.
Know someone who needs a reminder that good deeds never go unnoticed? Send them this.
