The Kindness of Strangers
Photo © Rob Jones
Twice now during my meanderings in the South Hams of Devon, I have been touched by the kindness of strangers.
On a long walk from Totnes to Ashprington and back, I paused on the long haul up from the Waterman’s pub, by the church. There was a little wooden crate - a little like you might find a nativity scene in. Only it contained a whole eclectic selection of items, mainly vegetables but not exclusively.
A little random selection of useful items and garden produce - with the little sign ‘Take.’
No place for money, and apparently none expected.
A bike skidded to a halt and a man manoeuvred himself a little closer.
‘What do you think?’ He said.
I admitted I rather liked the look of two large courgettes.
‘Take them,’ he chimed.
‘But I don’t have any change for the honesty box,’ because who carries coins with them these days.
‘No no, they are free. Just give something back sometime. We’re trying it out’
To be honest I was flummoxed. It felt wrong to take without paying. And my mind started racing - what would I give? And to whom? And when?
In the end I expressed gratitude and said - truthfully - I didn’t need anything right now, and thought perhaps someone else might need the courgettes more.
He seemed a little aggrieved, but accepted my reasoning and cycled on down the hill.
And then again this morning …
A 7am run, and noticed a box of apples - again free for passers by. Windfalls. They would rot away if they went unshared.
I’m being taught a lesson here … I know that. There’s a currency in kindness, a richness we all have, but seldom seem to spend. It’s a habit that will rot away, maybe, if we don’t do it more often.
R.
