You Never Know the Impact of your Actions

I want to share one of my favorite stories.

“One day, I saw Kyle, a freshman in my class, walking home from school, carrying all of his books.  I thought, 'He must really be a nerd.'

Then, I saw a bunch of kids knock all his books out of his arms and trip him so he landed in the dirt.  His glasses went flying.  My heart went out to him. I jogged over and I handed him his glasses.  I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'  He looked at me with a big smile and said, 'Hey thanks!'   It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books. As it turned out, he lived near me.  We talked all the way home, and he turned out to be a pretty cool kid.  We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and so did my friends.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.  He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.  He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. 

On graduation day, Kyle gave a speech as valedictorian of our class:

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends....  I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.  I am going to tell you a story.'

I looked at my friend with disbelief as he told about the first day we met.  He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.  He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.  He looked hard at me and gave me a smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.  I saw his Mom and Dad smiling at me with that same grateful smile.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.  With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse. God puts us all in each other’s lives to impact one another in some way.

'Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.' 

Hospitably,

Fred Cerrone