Chapter 4 The Strawberry

Chapter 4 of The Strawberry Story

Being gifted a Sundae by Katherine Aguilar

In everyday life, there can be expectations that something grand needs to happen to make a change in someone's life. This intro sentence does not necessarily match how my story begins. Still, I felt it was important to start with that sentence.

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It was such a beautiful morning outside as this story unfolded. The birds were chirping their morning song. My plan for myself was to go jogging. That didn't happen! So much for my plan. I woke up with an extremely awful migraine. It made me extremely sick. I could barely eat or drink my tea. I ended up spending the time before work in bed with a pillow over my head. I took a long nap and ended up running late for work. I stopped at the store to get some Extra Strength Tylenol. Then off to work I went. My migraine was still lingering during my scheduled shift.

My job puts me in a position to interact with people throughout the afternoon. I think my face showed a " Migraine!" I couldn't even hide that I was not Miss Happy! Still, I continue to work.

During my shift, a nice lady and her family came in needing to adjust her reservation to something more suitable to her schedule. Something inside me told me to help this family make it work, which I did.

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As the evening went on, my migraine was finally leaving. My mood lifted to being happier. I continued my shift. The lady and her family were leaving for dinner. She asked, "Do I want anything?" I said, "I was fine. Thank you." She said again, "I want to get something for you." I smiled and I told her, " Surprise me! Whatever comes to your mind. I will be grateful!" They left.

An hour or so passed, and I was returning from helping another customer down the hall. From a distance, I saw a bag on my chair and a little young child. He says, " Mama bought you a Sundae".

I felt like a child again! I was so excited about the Sundae! I asked the little boy. Where is your Mama? I walked to the car, and she was waiting for her son. I said to her, " I haven't had a Sundae in fifteen years. It has been ages."

I could've skipped back into the building like a child. At my age, I would've looked a bit nuts. Still, that was how happy I was.

I had forgotten I had a migraine all day. I sat at the desk like an overgrown child eating my huge three-scoop sundae.

Others may think getting a sundae is no big deal. To me, it was HUGE!

It brought back memories of when I was young, getting ice cream together with my family. Those days are long gone. Seeing young families take to these kinds of outings gives me hope for the future. It shows me family unity is still alive today. This parent showed her children the fruits of being kind by getting me a sundae. What a valuable lesson she taught her children.

Being kind is a valuable quality to share with young children today. You never know what your act of kindness may do for them. Her act of kindness made me a child again for a short while. Me and my Sundae!

Ephesians 4:32 calls on people to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.

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A sundae brought me such joyous memories. The youth of today are not getting the same memories as the older generation. They are missing out on so many memories they can relish when they are older. Most youth in this generation think they have it all. Truly, they have missed a lot, for so many have been in a hurry to grow up, or do not have the family unit to help them. Memories are what people reflect on when they get older. They can't change the past. Getting older gives a prospective view of the mistakes they made. Wanting to share with the young to keep them from making the same mistakes. If ever you need advice, get it from an older person. They will be your friend, mentor, and listeners. You will become their family.

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Being a mentor to a youth is one of the greatest gifts you can give a young person today. If you do not know what to do. Here is one valuable thing you can do: “Listen to what they have to say!” Yes, listen. Many are not heard at home by parents, friends, family, etc.. They just want someone to count them as a human being. Wanting an ear to hear what they have to say. Throw a strawberry their way and listen to them. You don’t have to give your thoughts or opinions; you just have to hear. Hearing is not just for youth.

Adults want the same thing. To have someone to listen to them. I want someone to listen to me, also. A dear friend of mine just died, and he listened to me whenever we would go to breakfast. Now, did he hear everything? Not really. He did listen.

You can play a vital part in someone's life if you do just that. By listening. This also allows you the opportunity to share insight on your faith with them. If you do not know much, share what you know. My grandpa, at the beginning of “ The Strawberry Story,” shared what he knew, and it continues to grow to this day. Goodness will spread like a strawberry field if you continue to share your goodness with others. The kindness of the lady buying me a sundae, she didn’t know I was going to share her act of kindness with others in my writings. I wanted to share the story of how one act encouraged me to write this chapter.

You may just pass someone and do something or say hello to them, and it can change the course of their life. The thing is, you will never know it or even see them again. Unless it is God’s plan that you cross their paths down the line of your lifetime.

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From the original strawberry at the beginning, I have been throwing my own strawberries of faith with others. I don’t know all the answers. I reflect and pray. It sounds simple. It is not. Many do not feel worthy of Jesus' love. They think they don’t deserve it, or because of the paths they have been living their life. Some do not feel they deserve Jesus' forgiveness. They are afraid.

I am on a spiritual journey myself. Growing each day, running towards Jesus. We are all going towards faith at our own speed. Helping others start in the right direction is putting their life in the right direction. I find myself at times listening to people who just want someone to hear them. At times, they want a viewpoint. I take it as my opportunity to share my belief in Jesus. Most have heard about Jesus, if not a lot, at least a little. They said they do not know what to say or are afraid of what to say. I tell them if they do not know what to say. Just say “Jesus help me!”. Continue to say it. It is the key to opening your heart to the love of Jesus. He will help and walk with you on your journey. You will never walk alone. The person would ask, “ Why did He do that for me?” I tell them, because Jesus loves You!

He did it for YOU TOO!