"There is this and that to be done, but how can we be bothered with other people's problems?" many people say, looking away when they see a person in need.
"Time passes too quickly," is often heard from acquaintances and friends when they meet in passing somewhere along their paths. I somewhat agree with this, but I would add that it should be made even more of. Among other things, it will not be superfluous if it is used for some good work.
Matej Pajk is one of those people who like to come to people's aid if they see someone in need or just need a simple favour. Most of the time, he helps a neighbour, friend or colleague.
A few days ago, he shared with me a story that happened to him while he was travelling and had a bunch of things on his mind that he had to do during the day. As he drove to his first stop, he happened to see an elderly lady on the other side of the road, whom he almost missed at first because of her dark clothes. She seemed a little lost as she walked along the roadside. He stopped the car, turned it around and drove in the other direction, stopping beside her and asking her where she was going.
The woman replied, "I'm on my way to the bus stop to go to the grocery store because I need to buy some groceries." Matej replied that he could give her a lift. "Ah, you're not going to drive the other way just for me," the woman waved her hand. Matej had to persevere a bit to convince her to let him drive her to the grocery store. When they reached their destination, the lady was so grateful that she wanted to pay him some money in return. Matej did not want to hear about it. "It's just a little thing. There is always time for good work, even though everyone has many things to do in a day," he said.
The act, which may not seem like a big deal at first sight, made the lady the happiest, and she thanked me several more times. For Matthew, such acts and the gratitude he receives in return for his kindness and help are heart-warming. It is also acts like these that give an optimistic note to the saying that the world stands on youth. Matej is passing on a spectrum of rich values, including help, cooperation and honesty, to his two young sons.
Mateja Sekavčnik, 6. 2. 2025
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