Of all the things that helped 400-pound Kelly Gneiting finish the 2011 LA Marathon, it was a little act of kindness that stood out over all the rest. There is no doubt that determination was the primary factor that helped get him across the finish line. A sumo wrestler at 6 feet tall with a 5 foot waist, Gneiting had tremendous determination to walk the 26.2 miles in pouring rain. In fact, his long walk just made him the Guinness Book World Record holder for the Heaviest person to ever complete a marathon. Yet even though his willpower was great, it was a small gesture from someone that helped the soaking wet Gneiting to stay in the race.
At mile 15, a friend handed him a pair of dry socks.
It was a little act of kindness that helped a big man walk another 11 miles to the finish line.
It was a little act of kindness that helped a big man walk another 11 miles to the finish line.
What little gesture has someone offered to you that helped you to keep going in life? What word or gift helped you to go on and inspired you not to give up? Who has handed you a clean pair of socks?
And who can you offer a dry pair of socks? There is someone walking your way right now who can use a small gesture of support too. They may be a stranger that needs a smile or a wife that needs a "thank you" or a friend that needs a call. The line of people is endless.
Imagine that you hold a pair of dry socks in your hands every day for someone who needs it. Hand them out as they pass you by. An encouraging word can help someone keep going. Someone you know is just now coming up to mile 15. Your little act of kindness can help them go on for the next 11 miles.
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