Redding School District

It was a beautiful morning in Washington DC and Virginia Waller was set up to have her normal day.  But by the afternoon the weather had changed and rains were causing plenty of problems.  Unknown to Virginia, some of the streets that she was about to take had flooded.  As Virginia made her way down an exit ramp she ran headlong into a flash flood.  The force of the water damaged her car and the car stalled.  She found herself within these deep waters not knowing what to do because her car wouldn't move.  Virginia was worried about the situation and thought this might be it.  She didn't know what would happen and immediately turned toward her faith. 

While worrying about the next step and wondering what to do, she noticed something out of her front windshield that seemed like a dream.  A group of U.S. Marines was wading through the floodwaters and moving her way.   

It just so happens that the elite group of Marines known as the body bearers was traveling by and noticed the car and the need.  These Marines are tasked with shouldering the burden of America's grief at Arlington Cemetary.  They are a humble group of men that honor the highest giving members of America that have given the most.  They didn't want to give an interview but thought that maybe it can tell a message of, "Be the one to get out of your car."  

Kindness is defined as "the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate."   Kindness is an action that requires friendly unselfishness.  It isn't enough to just be friendly or generous.  Consideration is also required and that is where the unselfishness comes in.  Like love, it takes practice to understand and perform it.  I know that many think that love is a feeling but I think we truly experience love with others through kind acts such as a smile, a nice word, an unexpected deed, or a planned surprise.   When we offer these acts to others, we make people feel good; we pass along hope; we promote peace; we show the power of kindness and grace.

While Virginia watched, the Marines proceeded to push her car out of the floodwaters and get her on her way home and safe.  A group of people, helping another person for no other reason except out of kindness and love.  An act of non-judgmental, unconditional action with no intended reward.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend filled with joyful moments and acts of kindness.  I know that we are a group of individuals who care enough to work with our students and show them the unconditional love and kindness that all people deserve.

Watch the Video here: 

Have a great weekend,

Rob