A Simple Act of Kindness

I have always thought that teachers don't get paid enough and are constantly making sacrifices for the good of their students. I have been amazed as I have had the chance to work at the school every day at the kind acts and services of the teachers in our school. It has been a special experience to get to know them better and see the good that they generate.

Yesterday I had such an opportunity to witness good being done. There is only one male grade teacher in our school and the kids think he is pretty awesome. (And he is. He was the bishop of the ward we used to live in, so I can vouch for his coolness.) He has one student who is rather rambunctious. It is obvious that he doesn't get the kind of attention that he should at home. He often acts out to get attention at school and to be accepted by his peers. Sadly, his behavior often intimidates his fellow classmates. This boy was sitting at lunch with a large space on either side of him because of the above mentioned. After going through the lunch line, this male teacher noticed the boy sitting by himself and decided to plop down right next to the boy with his lunch. Mind you, this teacher is cooler than cool and it made a statement to the other kids that were stronger than words. The teacher sat there by the boy until he finished his lunch and then went off to do whatever things he had to before class started again.

I was so touched by this simple act of kindness that I was almost brought to tears. This teacher probably had things he needed to finish before class time. He probably would have enjoyed lunch in the break room with the other teachers. But he saw a need and went to fill it because he is a good man and a good teacher.

Simple acts of kindness can brighten someone's day and change them for the better. I hope we can all learn something from this amazing teacher. I am grateful for his good example.