Last month I flew to Florida for a few days of R&R with two good SND friends living in Safety Harbor. I admit, I had been feeling a little depressed by our news headlines lately–not to mention our extremely cold and dreary weather. So before I left, I asked God, “Please send me some ordinary and kind strangers on my trip to Florida to remind me that there are still lots and lots of good people in our world.” God answered my prayer. Here are three encounters with four strangers I met along the way.
“Josh” the Phone Guy at Cleveland Hopkins Airport
An SND friend, Kathy, drove me to the airport. She is definitely very kind, but I had specifically asked God for some strangers. So I couldn’t count her. As soon she dropped me off, I went inside and proceeded to the kiosk to check my bag. That’s when I realized I had left my purse in Kathy’s car! I was horrified, because my phone and wallet were in my purse! I panicked. How could I contact Kathy who was now driving away from me on the freeway at 60 miles an hour! I didn’t know her cellphone number by heart. It was on my phone! Fortunately, the Southwest check-in desk was pretty quiet at that moment. I went over and explained my plight to the woman behind the counter. She turned and yelled down to a young man at the end of the counter: “Josh, let this lady use your phone.”
I went down to “Josh” who handed me the phone (a landline) from behind the counter. I called one of the few phone numbers I know by heart: the switchboard at our SND Center in Chardon. Sure enough, Kathleen our wonderful (and kind!) switchboard operator answered. I quickly explained my desperate situation and asked her to call Sr. Kathy’s cellphone. Right away she found the number in our directory, called her, and relayed my message. Kathy said she had just gotten onto 271. She’d take the first exit, come back to the airport, and meet me where she had dropped me off. I was greatly relieved! Meanwhile, since my ID and boarding passes were in my carry-on bag, I asked Josh if he could please check my bag. When he saw my last name, he asked, “Are you related to Robin Swoboda?” She was a popular Cleveland TV newscaster a few years back. I said, “No, but people often ask me that.” We continued talking for several minutes. His kindness helped me to relax, and I thanked him again for coming to my rescue. As I walked away, I knew I had encountered a kind and helpful stranger! Under my breath, I said, “Thank you, God, for Josh!”
The Chicken Tender Couple at Midway Airport
God answered my prayer again at Midway Airport in Chicago where I had a two-hour layover. It was lunch time, so I went to get some chicken tenders and fries. I had to use a kiosk to order. I don’t like using kiosks to order. I much prefer to order with a real human being, but the only one I saw behind the counter was a woman busy handing the customers their lunches. When she called “Melannie!” I went to get my lunch. I noticed the bag seemed big, but I had also ordered a bottle of Pepsi, so I thought nothing about it–until I sat down to eat at one of the semi-deserted gates. That’s when I saw I had two lunch boxes in the bag! Had I mistakenly ordered two? Or was it the computer’s fault? Whatever, I knew I couldn’t eat two, and I certainly didn’t want to throw out a good, hot meal. So I looked around at the few people sitting at the gate. Some were already eating. Others were on their phones. A few were dozing.
Then, a few rows away from me, I spotted a young man typing on his lap top. He was tall. Tall men need lots of food, I reasoned. So I grabbed one of the lunches, walked over to him, and asked, “Would you like this free lunch? I got two by mistake. It’s chicken tenders and fries.” His face lit up like a little boy’s. “Sure!” he said. As I handed him the lunch, I was struck by the fact that he was trusting me, a complete stranger! After all, I could have been trying to poison him! But he thanked me enthusiastically. Then I walked back to my row to eat my lunch. It was very good! I glanced up at him. He was enjoying his lunch too. Then a young woman appeared–his wife I later learned. She was surprised to see him eating. He motioned toward me and offered her some of the lunch. She gladly reached in for some fries. About 25 minutes later, I saw them packing up to go. But before they left, they came over to me. Smiling, the woman said, “That was so sweet of you to give my husband your extra lunch.” “I’m happy you enjoyed it,” I said. They thanked me again and wished me a pleasant trip. I knew that my trip had just been made more pleasant because of my encounter with them, two ordinary and kind strangers!
The Young Woman in the Middle Seat next to Me
I had an aisle seat on my flight to Tampa. When a young woman took the middle seat next to me, we exchanged pleasantries, but we didn’t talk to each other during the whole flight. When we landed, she pulled out her cellphone. I heard her say, “We just landed…(pause)… okay, I’ll meet you there… I love you!… (pause)… okay… I love you!… (pause)… yes! do that… ” Then I saw a little boy appear on her screen. (I wasn’t snooping–honest! She was crammed right next to me!) She began talking to the boy, “‘Lenny,’ it’s me, Mommy! I’ll be home in a few minutes, Honey! Mommy missed you SO much!… I love you! I love you!” When the call ended, I asked, “Is that your little boy?” “Yes,” she said. “We named him Lenny after my grandfather, Leonard.” Obviously, she loved her grandfather very much. “How old is Lenny?” I asked. “Thirteen months,” she said. Then added, “I’ve been in Chicago all week, attending business meetings. They were good–but while I was gone, Lenny said his first word: Mama! And I wasn’t there when he said it!” She sounded so sad. I said, “Well, I bet when he sees you again, he’ll soon by saying ‘Mama’ for you over and over again!” She said, “I hope so!”
I had asked God to put some ordinary, kind strangers into my life on my way to Tampa. God did. What did these four strangers have in common? First, they were all younger than I am. I could have been their grandmother or maybe even great-grandmother. All seemed to be hard-working and responsible adults. They were all pleasant and seemed basically happy. They all readily engaged in conversation with me, a stranger. Three of them gave evidence of being involved in strong and loving relationships. It was “chance” that brought us together: My leaving my purse in a car… my getting two lunches by mistake… my happening to sit next to one of them on a packed plane. That night I prayed for each one of them. Then I thanked God for answering my prayer and showing me that there are lots and lots of ordinary and kind and good people in our world. We just have to be on the lookout for them.
For reflection:
Did anything stand out for you in these three little stories?
Have you ever encountered a stranger who was kind and helpful for you? Would you like to share your story below?
Have you ever been a kind and helpful stranger for someone else? Again, would you like to share your story?
When you are feeling depressed or sad, what helps you to connect with the basic goodness in so many ordinary people?
Our video today is a contemporary hymn called “We Are Called to Welcome Strangers” produced by Jubilate. This song challenges me to my core–especially as I listen to it against the background of our refugee crisis in our own country and around the world. I ask myself, “How am I living this scriptural mandate, a mandate cleary expressed in Lev. 19:33-34, Mt. 25, and Heb. 13:2?”
I welcome your comments below!
30 Responses
Dear Sr. Melannie,
Thank you for your wonderful reflection on the kindness of strangers along the way of your trip. It seems to me that God used YOU to be the kind stranger on at least two of those examples.
I remember one time when I had difficulty leaving my dear friend who had terminal cancer. I had to fly to be with my parents for their 50th anniversary. All they wanted (especially my mom) was for the whole family to be there. And years before that, my mom had left her dying mom to be with me during a serious surgery. I owed her big time. But my friend was getting worse by the day, and I didn’t know if she would still be alive by the time I got back after the weekend trip for the anniversary. I had promised to be with her when she died. She was in the hospital after a close call when I left her. I arrived at the airport late and was told I wouldn’t make it onto the plane before the door was closed. It was back in 2008, before I had a smart phone. So I had to step out of line and call my sister who quickly checked on her computer for any other flights on different airlines. (The airlines wouldn’t do that and the woman at the desk was busy with other passengers waiting.) But there were no other flights. I was in tears near the desk, feeling like I was failing both my friend and my parents. A man came out from a door behind the desk and offered to help. He got me on standby on a full flight and advised me to repack my things so I would not have too many items to board the plane, since checking a bag wasn’t a good option now. I asked everyone in my family to please pray since there were a few people ahead of me in the standby list. Finally, 5 minutes before flight time, they said I could board! I got there in time for the anniversary, and my friend was still alive when I returned. I had a few more days with her before I put her hand into God’s hand. When I went through the airport on my next trip, the same man was there. I went up and thanked him again profusely for helping me before. I don’t think he remembered me, but was gracious and said he was glad to have been of help. Truly there are people who are like angels along the way!
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
It seem as if airports are hubs of kindness! In 2016 my nephew and I were in the check-in line at Logan airport in Boston. We were on our way to Spain to walk a portion of that famous pilgrimage route, el Camino de Santiago. Behind us were a mother and daughter — Teresa and Doona, respectively. The line was long, as was the wait, and so we ended up chatting with the two of them. Turns out, they were both from Spain, and Teresa’s English was perfect. Fast forward to Madrid’s international airport. Tom and I have to take the subway located within the airport to get to our next location, where we would then catch a bus that would take us north to the Camino. Our schedule was tight. We had to catch that bus!! Problem was, we couldn’t find that subway anywhere, and we were beginning to panic, when whom should we see! Teresa and Doona, who were on their way to the subway car we needed to take. They showed us the way, allayed our fears, and were just….perfectly miraculous!! Chances are I will never meet them again, they will never read the gratitude I write here, but I will forever thank God for them! Muchas Gracias, Teresa and Doona!
Thanks for reminding me about the kindness of strangers. There is so much sadness going on in the world that we have to look for the good in people.
Yesterday I went to a baby shower where I only know one person but it was the most welcoming party. God put me there to lift my spirits.
Thanks Sr. Mélannie!
What a powerful, simple reminder. My deceased MIL would always stop and smell the flowers, and she would graciously give her time and caring words to strangers. May your examples and those of my MIL be a reminder, especially when traveling, to be mindful and prayerful toward those around me.
Thanks Sr Melannie!
Giddy up & God Bless!
My husband Frank age 93 died peacefully with hospice guiding us at 2pm Feb
23 rd. In just 3 days and I felt that God scripted and chose the cast of helpers
To guide my family and me.
He keeps his promises in scripture, too numerous to quote here.
Blessed be God forever!
Marilyn Woidat
RIP Frank P.❤️🧑🦳🙏☘️
Hi Sister,
I took my husband to the Clinic and we stopped for lunch in the hotel. As soon as we came up the elevator I realized the waitress didn’t return my credit card. I took a chance and told my cognitively impaired husband to sit in the chair at the top of the second floor. He wasn’t too far along then. I gave him my bag to hold. When I came back up 1 floor- 2 minutes- he was gone. I started running the walkways. And then ran up to a young couple and asked them to please dial my phone that my husband had. They kindly did and I was able to locate him. God placed them in my path. There are good people in this world.
Carolyn
Holy Moments abound if only you look for the opportunity to give one away or receive one from a kind stranger.
Good morning, Sister Melannie. I have had lots of wonderful encounters like all of you have described, but I’m going to come from another angle.
At a gas station about a year ago, the vehicle ahead of me had a sticker on the back window “I hope something good happens to you today!” It made my day and I couldn’t get it out of my head. When I got home I “googled that” on Amazon and ordered a sticker, too. Well, I have never put stickers on my vehicles and have always resisted. After several months I caved in and placed it there. In a 24 hour period I had three people comment on the sticker – one was a woman at a gas station who got out of car while her husband pumped the gas. The next day a man in the car next to me in traffic kept blowing his horn and I finally realized he blowing at me. He signaled for me to roll my window down. He yelled that he and his mama liked my sticker. I couldn’t quit smiling. Later, I went to a Sonic for food and the young man who deliver the food very quietly said he liked my sticker. I’m so glad I put the sticker on my car.
Another thing I’ve done is make some 4×6 cards that have that saying on one side and on the back the verses from Numbers 6:24-26. When I “googled” for the sticker I came across some inexpensive “baggies” that have “You are awesome”. I bought a set and put the card and a couple of pieces of candy in the baggies. I randomly hand them out. I keep a few of the baggies in a little school lunch bag with me.
My husband is in the hospital right now and as the nurse left this morning I handed her one. She won’t be back until Thursday (and I am praying we go home tomorrow) so I wanted to thank her for her care. She smiled as she took it. She noticed the candy and the message on the outside. A few minutes later she came through the door with the card and said she tells people the verses from Numbers all the time.
What power that sticker at the gas station a year ago has had. I wish I had gotten out of my vehicle and told the lady who had it that I liked it. I smile a lot more now.
Good morning Sr Melannie! Today’s topic was another gentle reminder to me from God that there are many good people in our world. I am not a person who is open to others around me. I’m usually a stay in my lane and do whatever I need to do kind of gal and prefer not to interact with others when I’m out and about. I do smile at people, but that’s about it. About a week or so ago, my friend and I were on our way home from picking up our dog from daycare. It was already dark and raining/snowing. Before I knew it we were in a ditch at the side of the road. A few cars just drove past us then a couple of cars stopped to see if we were okay. We called for a tow truck and just were waiting for it to come when a woman stopped to check on us. She as out on a food run for her family so she called her husband to let him know where she was and then stayed with us at the side of the road talking for several minutes. Just her presence calmed me down and let me know that we were not alone. She left to finish her food run, dropped it off at home, and came back to check on us. She stayed for about 10 minutes again just talking. She left as the tow truck pulled up. Don’t know who she was but I am deeply grateful that she helped us by her presence. I have prayed for her and her family and thanked God for the kindness of strangers. Even though our world seems crazy right now I still believe that there are many kind people in it.
God bless you Sister and God bless each and everyone of us!
I was saddened by the mother who missed her child’s first word because of a business trip. It just brings work into perspective. A job is not worth missing touching family memories. Hopefully that was a one off and she can be there for the rest of Lenny’s milestones.
To the rest of your blog: So often when acting from the heart, the response is exactly how your encounters went. There is so much love and joy to bring to people when we travel. It saddens me to see an airport full of people on their phone, AirPods in their ear, and rushing frantically to their terminal while missing all kinds of potential human interactions with someone from a place you never knew.
Thank you for showing me I am not the only one who seeks these encounters when I travel. I like driving more than flying and when I drive I try to stop at rest areas. There I encounter someone from a different state and ask where they are going. It’s so interesting. One of my best friends I met on the Greyhound bus to St. Louis. She is from Germany. She actually just sent me a gift in the mail from Germany. While flying I will always spark up a conversation with those next to me rather than put my head in a book or movie. What we learn from others is invaluable to our lives moving forward. One conversation can be the value of an entire book or years worth of newspapers. Imagine the time saved in reading by having a 30 minute conversation with someone. Life is good! Pope Francis calls us to encounters and that is exactly what Jesus calls us to in the Gospel’s, too. Let your travels be that time for encounters. God bless!
Dear Sr Melanie
Thanks very much for sharing about your visit to Florida and the angels you encountered along the way. The simplicity of each incident was so inspiring and brought a tinge of joy across the world. One day a sister said, “When you smile at a stranger, it is as if the Lord is sharing His love with them”.
Your sharing is so much in line with gospel for today, Monday of the first week of Lent.
May we continue to be aware of the Lord’s good ness around us.
Trust, you felt rejuvenated after your holiday and wish you a blessed Lenten journey.
Andre.
Thank you to all who shared their stories, especially you, Sr Melanie! Certainly a celebration of God’s Goodness today!
Last Monday I started reading one reflection each week, in your book Gracious Goodness, Living each Day in the Gifts of the Spirit. The first reflection is on God’s abundant “rich blessings”. How thrilling that your prayer for kind strangers was fulfilled recently.
BTW, I will be traveling in a couple weeks to Tampa, a first time trip there. I was dreading the trip, your reflection has completed turned around my concerns. You are a blessing to me!
Dear Sr Melanie,
What a truly inspirational article you have written today. In a world that tends to show us only the “bad” things, we need to remember that there are so many kind people around us. I think I’ll add this to my “to do” list for lent, to help me be kind and recognize Jesus in any strangers that I meet.
Hope that you had an enjoyable and relaxing vacation. We all need to remember to take the time to reset and regroup.
You are true blessing!
Karen
Loved your stories….
God has been soo good to me through ups & downs. A long time ago, I decided to write them down in a book. They were all those little “God Things”
that we say. I now call them “ Love Bursts”. (not exactly miracles)….
I have about 35 pages. It’s amazing if you think way back all the gifts God has given us, just like your trip.
It’s really amazing.
In these hard times, we just need to know God is in charge and let it go.
Thanks for your Monday blog.
Love the stories! Made for a pleasant trip to FL. Glad you could get away for some R&R.
I find that generally people are kind. I like to just tell folks to pay it forward, or I’ll pay it forward. Does the old heart good when this happens. I loved the song! Thanks for all you do!
A very timely reflection. I fell walking my dog two days ago. Bloodied my lip and broke my nose. A neighbor up the street picked me up and walked me home. I really only knew him by sight. When I texted him a thank you, he relied Remember Jesus loves you! I’ll never forget his act of kindness
Sister,
I really needed this today! I have been so upset with all the headlines. I often say there are more good people than bad in our world. This was just a reminder to me to be on the lookout!
Thanks!
Sr. Melannie,
The thing that struck me the most about today’s blog, besides the acts of kindness, was your willingness to show your human-ness. Your distress at the news headlines, the cold and dreary weather and your need for R&R. We are all vulnerable to these same feelings and yet a simple act of kindness can restore our faith in the goodness of people. Thank you for reminding us of that. And I hope your vacation helped to recharge your batteries to continue the great work that you do.
Blessings to you!
57 years ago we had a 10-mo old son and Navy orders to move from Memphis to San Diego. We had an old (PINK!) Rambler stationwagon pulling a small U-Haul trailer with worldy possessions. Baby in back seat on a crib mattress (no car seats in those days). 100 miles from Memphis the engine started to smoke, we pulled over and that was the END of the engine. Here we are -two 22 yr old new parents, about NO money (hubby was an E2 in the Navy) and no way to get anywhere. An couple in an Ohio car pulled over and asked if we needed help after which they drove to the next exit, into a tiny burg called Galloway, AR. Soon a tow truck came and took us to a “general store” next to a swamp. Hubby talked to the owner who said his son would take hubby to Little Rock to get a rental car. We called my dad and got permission to use his credit card. I stayed behind with baby in a hot car. A few hours later hubby returned with a car, the owner of the store offered us $100 for our dead car, helped us unload the old car and load stuff into the rental. By mid-afternoon we were back on the road. That family, in Galloway, were our guardian angels along with the couple from Ohio. The kindness of total strangers FAR from home still resonates with us. We hope God blessed them all greatly and if anyone knows anyone that was involved in this, please let them know they were among our greatest blessings.
I read your blog before I go to sleep and it gives me such comfort.
Thank you for this gift.
My husband became ill in the middle of trip, and we were in the Atlanta Airport, trying to get from one terminal to another. I had a bag over each shoulder and was pushing him in a wheel chair. A Delta pilot came along side, took both bags on his shoulders, and pushed the wheelchair to our next gate. He walked so fast I could barely keep up. I never got his name and only able to blurb out a thank you as he dropped the bags at the gate and took off.
Sr. Melannie!
God’s Providence once again! This evening, I was going through emails and somehow your blog appeared – and what a blessing! This was one of those Lenten days that, for some reason, I couldn’t feel the presence of God, even though the day was filled with His light! BOOM! Here comes Sr. Melannie!!! Thank you so much for speaking to my heart, and getting me back on the right path!!! God bless you!!!
Thanks again for a reminder to “pay attention” to all the good around us. I’ve had several experiences of receiving help, and giving. One thing I did for many years working in a downtown setting, was give out help bags to homeless people who would approach me on the street every day. These were gallon zip lock bags that contained things like cheese crackers, pouches of tuna and crackers, bottles of water, socks, etc. I would give them to the first person to ask for help. We would stop and chat for a minute, I would always get their name, and then pray with them if they wanted to. I know it blessed me more than them!
My story is not as awesome as some of these, but worth a smile for me. One of my pet peeves for years has been people who, in public places, thoughtlessly don’t hold the door open for someone immediately behind. Unfortunately I have recently had to start using a came. Lo and behold, all sorts of people go out of their way to keep, or even open the door for me! I have never smiled and thanked so many people before.
Sister Melannie
Your loving kindness made me cry.
These encounters give me hope! We forget that there are far more good and loving people in the world, but we are just not aware. We are busy and preoccupied. St. Ignatius states we can “find God in all things” if only we look. In the words of Fr. James Martin, “keep noticing”.
Trying to figure out “How am I living this scriptural mandate?”, can be challenging. For now I am writing letters to my legislators, signing petitions, contributing what and where I can, and spending more time in prayer.
Thank you Sr. Melanie for your love, care and attention to the spirituality in every day life. We sometimes forget that God is present everywhere, in the small and big things.
I also never thought that “God weeps for us”! And to go further, I’m sure he weeps with us in our sorrow, distress and confusion.
Sr. Melanie, thanks for starting off my week with a reminder to appreciate the kindness that’s all around us. I, too, am so distressed, angry, upset, and almost unbelieving of the cruelty of those in “leadership” positions. Acts of kindness, small or large, are so, so powerful. In my day to day, very simple and uneventful life this week I have tuned in to how kind most “strangers” (wait staff, sales people, etc) are to me every day. Most are people who don’t earn much money but are rich in kindness and respect. I am especially grateful for the many immigrants in my world who continue to be helpful, kind, considerate, respectful, full of joy, grateful for work, and an example of God’s love in this world. These “strangers” are inspirations! Our Lady of Immigrants, pray for us.
Thank you for both your reflection on meeting goodness and for the hymn. The hymn is staying with me as the words so carefully say so much.
Thank You!
Hi Melannie,
It’s amazing to encounter one kind stranger in a day letters alone 4! And while these encounters are more than like brief, their impressions can last a lifetime! I too, have been blessed with stranger encounters of the thoughtful kind throughout my life. Many times over I think of one or more and my perspective changes and most often my mood softens. Thanks for sharing your encounters!
This song (or the words) should be meditated upon daily. So beautiful.
I will suggest it for our church choir so that many more will hear it.