In which some faith in humanity is restored...

I was (finally) mowing the yard on Tuesday, and I saw something that helped reassure me that humanity isn't entirely the rotten mess it gets made out to be in the media. I was minding my own business, mowing away, lost in some random thought (likely the eternal debate ove pirates versus ninjas), and out of the corner of my eye I noticed one of the neighborhood kids standing on the sidewalk near our house.

Normally, our front lawn is the equivalent of a local playground- the neighborhood kids seem drawn to it like moths to flame. If the weather is good, they'll be out there, playing and enjoying life.

I stole a glance and saw the kid walk onto the grass and start picking up random small branches and twigs that are ever-present in the yard. Without being asked or bribed or anything, he just decided to help me out by moving them out of my way. Then, he left.

No real reason for him to help me. He didn't even say a word to me. Just walked by, saw that I was mowing and that the rest of his friends weren't in our yard playing. Instead of just walking away, he decided to help.

I don't know the kid's name. I didn't even get a chance to thank him. But his actions helped reinforce my belief that humanity isn't totally screwed up. There's some hope.

Thanks, random kid who picked up sticks from our yard. Thank you for, at least that moment in time, being a decent human being and helping someone out. A random act of kindness. It did not go unnoticed.

Peace...