Tyreus (12/12/2024)

Last evening, I bundled up and headed out around 6:30 p.m. I was headed to the parish to teach a confirmation class, but first I wanted to stop at Kwik Trip to pick up donuts for the crowd of 36. I had my substantial grip to hold them all in tow. In the store, I packed the donut boxes in my grip and headed to the check out. I admit, it was hard to get the grip up on the counter for check-out. But I managed. After paying my bill, I turned to leave when a young man appeared out of nowhere, a fellow shopper in his 20s, who surprised me with “Here, ma’am, let me carry that for you.”

He took my grip full of donut boxes and walked with me to my car. He set them on the back seat for me. I asked him his name. He smiled and said, “Tyreus, ma’am.” I told him, “My name is Kate. Thank you for your help.” And he walked back into the store. As I sat in my car, I mulled over the situation. His generosity surprised me. I wondered if I looked that overwhelmed to others. Or was Tyreus simply a very kind and charitable young man? Maybe both.

Last evening, as we were discussing the moral right and righteousness in the confirmation class, I mentioned my experience with Tyreus at Kwik Trip. I asked if they were there, would they have offered to help me as he did. We spoke of being present and watching for the needs of others. We spoke of the sins of omission, those times when we could have helped another but didn’t.

My experience with Tyreus remains with me this morning. His kindness toward a stranger surprised me. His recognition of his ability to make things easier for me and his openness to helping another just because he could stirs within me and makes me want to be more like him during this season of preparations. “Be alert, Kate. Watch for the needs of others in the moment.”

As we continue to prepare for the coming of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, let us open ourselves to others around us more fully, more wholly. Let us be alert. Let us be charitable.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.