A new school year has just begun. This year, our school’s theme is hope. I remember one day, a little boy from primary one asked me, “How can I show hope to others?” His innocent face made me think of a story I heard.

 

Amanda was a little girl who was so fond of the beauty of flowers. So on her birthday, her father gave her a special seed. Amanda was so delighted. She put it in a flower pot carefully. She watered and fertilized the seed every day. The sprout grew day by day. It grew into vines but flowers never bloomed. Amanda was so upset as time went by.

 

One day in the morning, she woke up and looked at the vines with disappointment. Her father was sad too. He never thought that the birthday gift he prepared for his beloved daughter would turn into such a disappointment, but then he thought it was just a process of growing up. What he could do was to comfort her and encourage her not to give up.

 

Another month passed. Amanda woke up in the early morning. She took a glimpse of the vines. Still, there wasn’t even a bud. Then, she dressed up in her school uniform as usual and left for school. This morning, she saw an old lady walking out from the house next to hers.

 

“Oh, little girl, I can finally get the chance to see you! I have been sick for months. Life was such a misery until I saw the vines you planted. The flowers blossom day by day. It cheers me up and gives me energy to move on. Thanks, my dear,” said the old lady.

 

Amanda was amazed. She peeked into the old lady’s house. The vines grew and climbed to her house. Nevertheless, she saw colourful flowers blooming everywhere. This was the most beautiful scene the girl has ever seen. Although she could not see the beautiful flowers in her own house, she endeavoured to take care of the vines for she knew she brought hope to the old lady.

 

The story of this little girl is an inspiration to us. Sometimes, we may not notice how our actions affect others. It may be disheartening to see that the things you do are in vain. However, never lose hope because the little things that we do can mean a lot to others. So, let’s get back to the little boy’s question: How can I show hope to others? My answer is “the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention”. Always be kind. Then, you are already the brightest hope in someone’s darkest days.