Day 9: 30-Day Gratitude Challenge

My Gratitude Overflows!

Try leaving a trail of little sparks of gratitude on your daily trips. (Dale Carnegie)

Yesterday, I finished off the gratitude post by citing Dale Carnegie: "Try leaving a trail of little sparks of gratitude on your daily trips. You will be surprised how they will set small flames of friendship that will be rose beacons on your next visit." 

I woke up in the morning with a mission, a mission to practice what I’d preached. I want to think I did. However, I’m not going to say what I did, lest the act would lose its sacredness. Sometimes, it’s best to keep quiet about the good things you do for others. 

I would be writing a completely different storyline from what you’re reading now, but something happened today, and I had to say something!​

A shoe-story to remember

I love shoes, not just shoes, but good, well-designed shoes. No, I don't own hundreds of pairs, and when I buy shoes for myself, it's an investment. I also believe in quality, not quantity. My beloved knee-high brown boots have been to places far and wide, been through all sorts of weather conditions and still not showing signs of giving in after five years; got to love Timberland! My Hunter wellies still look brand new after five years of rambling. Do you get the picture? However, there's another beloved suede pair of ankle boots that go with everything: jeans, trousers, and dresses. It's not as sturdy as the other pairs, but more on the classy side. What's more, it's the perfect heel for me, and I can wear those shoes throughout the day and not feel pain or pressure. Thank you, Dune LONDON, for your craftsmanship!

However, the two-year-old boots are on their last knees. I'd made plans to shop around for a replacement pair as soon as this week. Still, I had plans to wear jeans tomorrow, but when I looked at the navy-blue suede shoes, I noticed that the right one was almost ajar in front. I've walked in the rain with that shoe (bad idea) and wasn't even surprised by my discovery. The brown boot wouldn't go very well with the top I wanted to wear. I hesitantly tried on other pairs of high-heels which I rarely wear. I can stand shoe-induced pain for short periods, but this weekend, ain't nobody got time for that! 

And so, I decided to send a child to the local Timpson - shoe cobbler. They've been in the business for over 100 years, and I've only used their services once for my son's shoes. That was ages ago when he used to go through shoes like nobody's business. I hoped it wouldn't be too expensive to glue/ seal one shoe; the other one looked OK. My child took the shoe to the repair shop, and within record time, they were back home. As they opened the door, I concluded that, at least, it was worth a try. I also comforted myself with the fact that I will be treating myself to a new pair anyway.

Pinching high heels, here I come!

But the shoe had been repaired - for nothing. We were charged £0 for the service!

Would you keep quiet about such an act of kindness? One of the UK's leading shoe-repairers, performing such an outstanding service for nothing is mind-blowing. The man did it so well; there's no sign of glue on the suede exterior. He just said, "you're alright!" when it came to the moment of payment. When he was asked how much it would cost to repair the shoe, he just took the shoe, fixed it, and returned it. I am truly grateful. One day soon, I'll go to the shop and say thank you in person. 

Yes, I've written about doing good for others, but today, I was on the receiving end of an unexpected kind gesture by a stranger. He didn't have to, he's running a business like everybody else and perhaps trying to make ends meet, yet he didn't charge a penny for a job-well-done! May the Lord bless the works of his hands. The man from Timpson sparked something worth remembering for a lifetime. I am inspired to do more for others because I know how it feels to be on the receiving end.

I also hope that you're enjoying your weekend! 

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Day 10: 30-DAY GRATITUDE CHALLENGE