Profoundly Simple

At Bethel, you are bound to meet people who will take an interest in your life. There are friends you will make that will be there for you when you need someone to lend an ear.

I have seen many examples of students helping out a fellow friend or going out of their way to improve the lives of others. These people serve as role models for others. They are people that are to be looked up to in many respects.

Sometimes there is a person that is willing to do great things for those in need, and they are willing to do so without recognition. This can be very difficult because part of the reward of helping someone is receiving thanks and recognition. I am not taking away from deeds that are noticed. These are a very necessary part of community and certainly still require sacrifice.

Bethel is fortunate enough to have a friend amongst us that was willing to make a profound difference in another student’s life. There is a student that has been traveling back and forth to home almost every other weekend to spend time with his sick mother.

Someone on Bethel’s campus noticed this student’s tough situation. Their attention to the pain of others translated into a profoundly simple gift (a note of thoughtfulness and a bit of cash to help pay for gas). The note was left anonymous in order to keep the focus on the student who could use the money and reassurance that people cared.

The effect is widespread. Everyone who has heard this story and knows the student cannot help but tear up in joy for the selfless act. My hope is that it inspires more acts of generosity. All it took was a watchful eye and a mind determined to help with even most simple, and often overlooked, of burdens.

note