I opened the door and came face-to-face with a clown. I had never been as shocked as I was at that moment.
“Can you help me?” he inquired. Surprised by his sudden appearance, it took me a few seconds to react. My inquiry about his condition brought tears to his eyes. Having been unemployed for the past few weeks, he needed money.
Pitying him, I invited him in for a cup of tea. These were simple words, but they made the clown stop smiling. Touched by my invitation, he bowed low and thanked me for my generosity.
He admitted that he had been to five different houses since the morning. At every house, he had been ignored. I was the only one who had inquired what he wanted and offered him food.
It was at that moment that I realized the importance of kindness. By inviting him inside my home and giving him a cup of tea, I offered him what everyone else didn’t: respect.
Frequently asked questions
- How did you feel when you saw the clown?
I was quite surprised to see the clown for the first time. I never expected to open the door and see a clown. Getting over the shock took time, and that is the reason why I didn’t ask him immediately.
- Why were you inviting him as a sign of respect?
Inviting him in for tea was an offhand gesture for me. But to a man who had been ignored at every house he performed, it meant more. By inviting him inside my home and giving him a cup of tea, I made him feel human.
- What would you do if the clown came back to your home?
I would inquire how his life is going? I would like to know whether he was able to earn money and support himself. I would welcome him into the house as I did all that time ago.
- Why is being kind important for everyone?
Being kind to other people, things and animals does not take time, effort or money from anyone. Instead, you are just giving them the respect they deserve. It shows how mannered you are and mindful of others you are.
- If there is one thing that the interaction taught you, what is that?
This interaction taught me that everything in life is a reflection of your decision. I could have said ‘no, thank you’ and closed the door. But I didn’t, and I decided to help him.
