Want honorable virtues to live within your children?  Here’s how.

He was about nine years old and in the race of his life as a third grader. His classmates were at his heels as they rounded the track towards the finish line. Arms pumping, lungs busting, pain and determination were written on all of their faces because this was the finals, the championship round. His first place grit was obvious and the look in his eyes spoke of his will as he led the pack; until he heard the thud from behind along with the gasp from the crowd. As he made the final turn into the straightway to the finish line, he was able to see his classmate from over his left shoulder. He was a known introverted student who transferred from out of state with no established social groups, and he always ate his lunch by himself. He was lying face down, crying, and once again, alone.

The young man in first place was fueled by all the cheers from the teachers, student body, and his parents; however, he pulled off the dirt track, onto the grass, and ran back to his fallen classmate. The shock and awe of the moment filled the stands with quiet, until the other runners passed the finish line.

Undaunted by the moment, the nine year old picked his classmate up to his feet, placed his right arm around his back, and walked with him to the finish line. Can you hear the crowd as they crossed the line? I sure did, and I wasn’t even there in person. I was sitting at my desk as I finished reading the article, my eyes could not hold back the tears. This wasn’t good because I was in my police uniform, about to patrol the high school campus during their lunch break, and my personal bravado had been punctured by this boy’s act of kindness. At this moment, I was grateful for my blue tinted mirrored sunglasses.

That afternoon as I walked the campus, kindness was on my heart and it’s what I was looking for in others. It’s amazing what you’ll see ...