Monday, November 20, 2023

It’s so cold outside. I’m glad the Roberts gave me that hot chocolate. I thought I would freeze while I was shoveling their driveway. I got five driveways done in two hours; I think that’s a new record for me. These thoughts ran through my head as I was warming up from an afternoon in the snow. The snow steadily drifted down for the rest of the afternoon, and I knew that there would be more snow waiting for me in the morning before school.

As I gazed out the window, I saw old Mr. Knox shuffling out to his mailbox. I bet he needs some help with his driveway, I’ll add him to my list but do it pro bono. He doesn’t have much extra, and his family is far away. It will be nice to serve him.

The snow stopped before bedtime, so I was able to go back out for an hour and get two more driveways done. I woke up an hour early before school, bundled up, donned my head lamp, and set out with my shovel. I saved Mr. Knox’s driveway until last because I didn’t want to wake him up and scare him. I had not gotten halfway through the job before he opened his door.

“Who’s out there? Get off my property,” he snapped.

“It’s just me, Jake, from down the street. I thought I would clear your driveway for you.”

“I’m not paying you. I never asked you to do this,” he responded angrily.

“No charge, I just wanted to help out,” I replied, trying to keep my voice pleasant as he slammed the door.

Well, that’s what I get for doing something nice, I thought as I finished up shoveling and spreading salt. Why is he so mean? Why couldn’t he just say thank you and leave it at that? My mind was stewing as I trudged back home, cold, wet, and starving. I managed to get ready for school, have breakfast, and arrive to homeroom before the second bell, only by rushing.

The day kind of dragged on, and by the time I got home, I was really discouraged. Mom noticed and asked what was wrong. As I told her about my encounter with Mr. Knox, she reminded me that sometimes people have troubles we don’t know about. Our job is just to be kind and serve where we can. I am only responsible for my actions, not how others respond. There will always be angry people; we can’t allow them to discourage us.