Faith restored by Samaritan

To the editor and community at large,

We live in a time when the news is rife with horrific tales of inhumanity, and I think that most of us feel at least some degree of helplessness as regards ending such crimes. Personally, I have felt quite helpless in this area recently, though my practice is to lead by example. I have often felt that I do not even want to be part of such a world any longer, and when I feel that way, I do my best to think of even the smallest of instances where I have made a positive difference in the life of another or others. It gives me the strength to continue and to do as much as I can to promote peace and harmony, at least within my smaller community, which includes anyone who may read my words.

Today, I was on my second hour-long round of shoveling snow when someone in a red Dodge Ram pickup with a bright red snow plow passed my driveway slowly, watching me as I shoveled. He moved on, and to my surprise, he returned a little while later, and turned into my driveway with the plow down. This man, who I have never met before and who did not provide his name when I introduced myself, plowed my rather long rural driveway and the turn-around area in my yard. Of course I thanked him, and I offered to pay him. He refused any pay. He also refused a jar of my wonderful homemade apple jelly. This man plowed my driveway out of the goodness of his heart, and even more than that, did a great deal to restore my very dampened faith in humanity when it really needed it. Thank you again, Mr. Drives a Red Dodge Ram. Your humanity and kindness are deeply appreciated!

During this season when so many are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Prince of Peace and Master of Unconditional Love, it would behoove all of us, whether or not we are Christians, to consider what this great Being taught. The message is not the messenger, it is the message of humanity, of peace, of unconditional love for ALL of our brothers and sisters and all of the children. The message is simple, therefore, if we find ourselves poised on the edge of committing even a small act of unkindness, or if we find ourselves becoming complacent about the inhumanities that permeate our local, national and world news. Let us take just a few moments to consider what Jesus the Christ would do in the same circumstances. My bet is that we will discover that He would replace the small act of unkindness with a larger act of kindness, and rather than remaining complacent, He would speak out in a clear and loving voice about doing whatever is within our individual capacities to change the world from its current focus on inhumanity to one of brotherly/sisterly love — globally. When we do as He would do, we will fell the love and peace growing in our own hearts.

Thank you again, Mr. Drives a Red Dodge Ram for plowing my driveway, and I especially thank you for doing an even greater kindness: restoring my faith in humanity. I wish all a peaceful and loving holiday season.

K.P. Kelly

Columbia Falls