Oblivious Kindness

Shows Lynae Kiers, sixth-grade teacher, with students.

You know you are in a good place when kindness is exhibited in so many ways. Kindness is evident in the hallways, classrooms, and office of our school. It continues to spread through the gymnasium, playground, kitchen, parking lot, and even online. It comes from our teachers, support staff, students, and parents. Kindness is thought up, spontaneous, intentional, and even occasionally “oblivious.”

“Oblivious” kindness was expressed through a little story of a lost cell phone. A young ECS student brought in a lost phone she found in the parking lot. I took a picture of it. I was in the middle of drafting an email to our parents and students when the phone buzzed on the surface of my desk. I opened it and scanned the notification feed on the locked screen. It was an email addressed to “CASSI.” It was in all caps, and I could just hear the excitement in these kids’ voices — even in their emails to each other. I also knew right away it must belong to our Cassi, a sixth-grader who is just full of boundless energy and joy.

Cassandra Kay receiving her lost cell phone.

As I entered the sixth-grade classroom, excitement and joy greeted me warmly. Mrs. Kiers was teaching the students how to make a mini toque, and I found Cassi full of smiles. I asked if she recognized this cell phone, and with a surprised and pleasant look, she said, “Why, yes!" She didn't even know she had lost it. Cassi was completely oblivious to the kindness, although she was very grateful for it.

Issabella Rodas, the ECS student who found and brought in the cell phone.

Have you ever wondered how much “oblivious kindness” is being bestowed upon us each and every day? Do we go through our days grinding through the challenges and pitfalls, not even aware of the kindness extended to us? This story reminds me of how much God loves us as He has bestowed upon us kindness beyond all measure, and we are “oblivious” to so much of it. 

— Submitted by Steven Gabrys Principal, College Heights Christian School