Billy was a diligent young boy who took pride in his newspaper delivery route. Every morning, rain or shine, he would hop on his bicycle and deliver newspapers to the houses in his neighborhood. But there was one house, a grand old mansion, that always made him nervous: Mr. Henderson’s.
Mr. Henderson was an elderly man known for his gruff demeanor. He lived alone in his big house, and every time Billy delivered the newspaper, Mr. Henderson would shout from his window, “Put the paper in the holder, boy! Not on the steps!”
Billy would often feel disheartened. He tried his best, but sometimes the paper would miss the mark. One evening, he shared his frustrations with his parents. “Why is Mr. Henderson always so mean to me?” he asked.
His mother, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, replied, “Billy, Mr. Henderson lost his wife a few months ago. He’s grieving, and sometimes, grief can make people act out of character.”
His father added, “And I’ve heard he has severe back problems. Picking up the paper from the ground might be painful for him. Always remember to be kind and understanding, even when others aren’t.”
Billy took his parents’ words to heart. The next day, he took extra care to ensure the newspaper landed precisely in the holder. Days turned into weeks, and Billy’s consistent efforts began to change the dynamic between him and Mr. Henderson.
One day, as Billy approached the mansion, he saw Mr. Henderson waiting for him on the porch. Billy’s heart raced, thinking he had done something wrong. But to his surprise, Mr. Henderson greeted him with a smile.
“Billy,” he began, “I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. You’ve been doing a wonderful job, and I appreciate your dedication.”
Billy, taken aback, replied, “Thank you, Mr. Henderson. I’m sorry for any inconvenience I might have caused earlier.”
Mr. Henderson handed Billy an envelope. “You’ve earned a good reputation in my book, young man. This is for you.”
Billy opened the envelope to find $100. His eyes widened in surprise. “But, Mr. Henderson, this is too much!”
Mr. Henderson chuckled, “I happen to own the newspaper company, and I think it’s time you got a raise for your hard work.”
Billy’s heart swelled with gratitude. He realized that by holding onto kindness and understanding, he had not only earned the respect of Mr. Henderson but had also made a positive impact on the old man’s life.
Moral of the Story
“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man.” By staying true to the virtues of kindness and understanding, Billy found favor in the eyes of both God and man.
