Kia ora Virtues Friends,
I recently attended a 2-day and a 3-day Intensive in beautiful New Plymouth. For each of the 3 days of the latter we were inspired and humbled by Mount Taranaki coated in pristine white snow and baked by a blue, blue sky.
Each day since I have had this vision as I prepare to bring the people with whom I work into the serenity of a Virtues-laden life.
The journey has begun and I am constantly reminded of the benefits of sharing my own Virtues-pick with family, colleagues and sometimes with complete strangers.
The example I wish to share is one which took place in a service station last week. I was returning home after working in Wanganui, (approx 240 k North West of where I live). I had just filled up with petrol and was at the counter when a young man came in to pay for his own petrol. He didn't have quite enough and was rummaging in his pocket. The service station owner was insistnt that the young man pay the full amount. There was a shortfall of about $5.00.
The word, 'Compassion' came into my mind and I pushed a $5.00 note into the customer's hand. I was also aware of, 'Thankfulness' for having the note in my purse. The young man reluctantly accepted the offer and he set off. I paid for my petrol and also left.
A few kilometres further on I had pulled off the highway to take a phone call. A car pulled up alongside. The young man from the service station had seen my car on the side of the road and, thinking I was in trouble had stopped to offer help.
I thanked him and we went our separate ways.
I reflected on this wonderful experience and I couldn't help thinking that there were a whole bundle of virtues that were present in this very small moment in a very small country.