'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40
Quite a few years ago during my campus days, a group of us students were going back in a bus from KL to Kajang. There's only 1 bus for every hour, so even before the bus arrives, there was already a long queue waiting. I was one of the fortunate few who lined up early enough to be guaranteed a seat on the bus. It was a long and tiring wait and as soon as the bus arrives, most of us broke up the line to rush in and literally fight for a seat. Those who didn’t make the line would have to stand in the bus and forced to cramped together to fit. The next bus will only come 1 hour later so everybody is trying to sardine their way in.
I got my hard fought seat and was sitting there proud and looking forward to the comfortable 1 hour journey back to Kajang. Funny thing is, one of those unfortunate no-seat folks, an old lady, was standing right in front of my seat. I was thinking to myself, should I do the good boy thing and give up my hard earned seat? And like any other sensible young guys in the bus at that time, I didn’t. I pretended to sleep instead. I rationalized. She's not that old. She could be offended if I give her my seat, indicating that she's old. I know how sensitive some woman can be about aging. What about the pregnant lady standing a few seats ahead. She deserves a seat too. I can't be biased towards old ladies over pregnant ladies. If I give up my seat, the rest would be obliged to give up their seats too. They might stamp me with a good boy image which is so not cool. What will people say? They might think I'm just a show off goodie too good guy. Besides, I'm tired from walking around all day. I need the rest.
I chose to 'sleep' it off.
When we're about to reach Kajang, all of a sudden the old lady vomited and fainted next to my seat. She was unconscious for a few second and woke up. I can see the pain and embarrassment in her eyes. The fall must have hurt her. She was groaning while apologizing to people around her. The long journey was too much for her to bear but nobody cared.
Only then I offered my seat. She thanked me, but I was so overwhelmed with guilt I dare not even look at her. I didn’t deserve a thank you. I should have offered her the seat earlier but thanks to me, I have to let her suffer first before giving my seat.
That day was a big lesson on kindness for me. There were others standing who needed the seat, and they were others seating down who can give up their seats, but she was nearest to me. When it comes to showing kindness, don’t think, just do it. Everybody needs a dose of kindness in their lives, but often the people who need it the most are the people near us.
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