You're Two Kind

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.
Connie Kendall: So, what do you think?
Eugene Meltsner: You must have heard that astronomers identified a mega star cradle today. I believe it could help solve a long-standing conundrum.
Connie Kendall: I mean, what do you think about this?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh. What is it?
Connie Kendall: It's a wallet. I made it for my dad.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh.
Connie Kendall: My mom gave me a bedazzler and it's so cool. I can just glue these fun fake jewels onto anything. It's really easy. And look how pretty it is.
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, and so impossibly difficult to misplace or to put in one's pocket without lacerating one's posterior.
Connie Kendall: Exactly. I want to show Katrina. Is she around?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, she's teaching today.
Connie Kendall: Really? Where?
Eugene Meltsner: Odyssey Middle School. One of their history teachers is ill and Katrina graciously agreed to fill the position.
Connie Kendall: Fun.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, she's quite the expert in history. You should hear her recite the Magna Carta. It's a deeply moving experience. Her students are in for a treat.
Ryan Cummins: In conclusion, I found that Andrew Jackson was more than the seventh president of the United States. He was a brave soldier, an intelligent businessman, and a hero to his country. Thank you.
Katrina Meltsner: Very nicely done, Ryan. Your delivery was inspirational and informative.
Ryan Cummins: Thank you, Mrs. Meltzer.
Katrina Meltsner: Our next presenter is Brad Rowl. Brad?
Brad Rowl: Um, hi. I'm Grover. I mean, I'm talking about Grover. Grover Cleveland. He's the 20th president. Wait, not the 20th.
Katrina Meltsner: Class, pay attention.
Brad Rowl: I meant 22nd and 24th. He was president twice. Okay. Grover Cleveland.
Connie Kendall: Sounds like the name of a cemetery.
Brad Rowl: What did I say?
Katrina Meltsner: Carry on, Brad. You'll be fine.
Brad Rowl: Oh, brother.
Connie Kendall: Watch where you're going, Ryan.
Ryan Cummins: Sorry, Valerie.
Connie Kendall: Can you believe that lame class?
Ryan Cummins: Actually, I like history.
Connie Kendall: Including Brad talking about Grover Cleveland? How is a guy who's so good in front of a huge crowd on the basketball court so horrible in front of our history class?
Ryan Cummins: Well, we can't all be good at everything.
Connie Kendall: Ugh, that guy needs a speaking coach. Of course, you and I didn't do him any favors.
Ryan Cummins: What are you talking about?
Connie Kendall: He had to do his report after us. We're by far the two best speakers.
Ryan Cummins: Maybe he needs a little bit of help. That's all.
Connie Kendall: He needs a lot of help. But I don't know who'd give it to him.
Ryan Cummins: I need to head back to class. See you around.
Connie Kendall: Okay, whatever.
Ryan Cummins: Excuse me, Mrs. Meltzer.
Katrina Meltsner: Ryan, did you forget something?
Ryan Cummins: Actually, I wanted to ask you a question.
Katrina Meltsner: Okay.
Ryan Cummins: You said we'd be working in pairs for our next presentation.
Katrina Meltsner: That's right. The video presentation's about events in World War I.
Ryan Cummins: Yeah. Well, I was wondering if you'd pair me up with Brad.
Katrina Meltsner: Oh?
Ryan Cummins: I thought maybe I could help him.
Katrina Meltsner: That's very considerate. I'll announce the parents tomorrow.
Ryan Cummins: Great. Do you mind if I tell Brad now?
Katrina Meltsner: I don't see why not.
Mrs. Gretzky: Ryan Cummins, you get over here right now. I have a chicken fried steak calling your name.
Ryan Cummins: Thanks, Mrs. Gretzky. I 'll get it in a minute. Have you seen Brad Rowl?
Mrs. Gretzky: I think he's eating outside by the bleachers.
Ryan Cummins: Alone?
Mrs. Gretzky: What am I, his social coordinator? He was with a bunch of kids talking about that Valerie girl who's too good for tater tots.
Ryan Cummins: Oh, I need to talk to Malone.
Mrs. Gretzky: Oh, you mind, Daisy?
Ryan Cummins: No, it's about a school project.
Mrs. Gretzky: See you up.
Guest (Female): You really should eat. You need nourishment or you'll end up with those white spots on your fingernails.
Ryan Cummins: No, here they come. Excuse me. Make way.
Valerie Swanson: Ryan, what are you doing?
Ryan Cummins: Nothing. I'm just waiting.
Valerie Swanson: Behind the vending machines?
Ryan Cummins: Yeah, I didn't have time to dive under the table.
Valerie Swanson: Makes perfect sense. This school's getting weirder all the time.
Ryan Cummins: Wait up a minute. I want to get a soda.
John Avery Whittaker: Better show story, Brad. All right. All right. Then Ryan wraps up his history report by getting all dramatic when he says the man's name. Andrew Jackson. Like he's doing Shakespeare. I'm thinking, come on, Ryan, seriously? Ooh, maybe your mommy will buy you Andrew Jackson action figures for Christmas. Then you can reenact your boring Andrew Jackson stories over and over again. There is seriously something wrong with a kid who knows that much about a dead guy. Ryan needs a life. So much for helping you out, Brad Rowl.
Katrina Meltsner: Good afternoon, gentlemen.
Eugene Meltsner: Hello, Katrina.
Ryan Cummins: Katrina, your hair.
Katrina Meltsner: I had it cut after school. What do you think?
Ryan Cummins: It's it's unexpected.
Katrina Meltsner: I needed a change, a new look, and something less time consuming to style in the morning.
Ryan Cummins: We talked about this, remember?
Eugene Meltsner: Yes, though I must admit I didn't expect such a drastic such a charming change. So, are you enjoying substitute teaching again?
Katrina Meltsner: Very much. I've taken on a history class for now.
Eugene Meltsner: Is that how you plan to wear your hair from now on?
Katrina Meltsner: Is something wrong with it?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, no. No. Of course not. But I might point out though that there's a nothing historical about it.
Katrina Meltsner: Pardon me?
Eugene Meltsner: I I really thought that since you're teaching a history class, you might cut it more conventionally and less trendily.
Katrina Meltsner: Do you want me to wear a powdered wig?
Eugene Meltsner: That would be ridiculous, but you know, actually
Katrina Meltsner: What exactly are you saying about my hair, Eugene? Don't you like it?
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, of course I like it. I love your new hairstyle because it's on you.
Katrina Meltsner: Well, thank you. Well, I should get home and start grading papers.
Eugene Meltsner: A fine idea. I myself shall be home shortly. Farewell.
Katrina Meltsner: Bye. Bye, Whedon.
Ryan Cummins: Bye, Katrina. You don't like her haircut, do you? It makes her look like a Q-tip. What do you think?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, I think it looks very nice, but what I think isn't important. If you don't like it, you should tell her.
Ryan Cummins: Well, perhaps it'll grow on me or perhaps it'll grow on her down to the length that it was.
Eugene Meltsner: Unless she gets it cut again before then.
Ryan Cummins: What? How she might do that since you told her you like the style.
Eugene Meltsner: Indeed.
Katrina Meltsner: I'm sorry, Ryan. I've already posted the teams and assignments. It's too late to change the pairings.
Ryan Cummins: Rats.
Katrina Meltsner: Yesterday you asked specifically to be Brad's partner. What happened?
Ryan Cummins: I I I changed my mind.
Katrina Meltsner: Well, I'm afraid you'll just have to make the best of it.
Ryan Cummins: All right. Thanks anyway, Mrs. Meltzer. Um, nice haircut, by the way.
Katrina Meltsner: Thank you.
Ryan Cummins: Hey, Ryan. Oh.
John Avery Whittaker: Hey, Brad. Did you see? We're partners on the World War I project.
Ryan Cummins: Yeah, I know. I can hardly wait.
Katrina Meltsner: Thanks for helping me grade these tests, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: My pleasure, Katrina.
Katrina Meltsner: I received a few compliments on my hair today.
Eugene Meltsner: You did? I mean, of course you did. I'm not surprised because it looks so cute.
Katrina Meltsner: I don't think I've ever heard you use the word cute before.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, well, I I'll get it.
Connie Kendall: Sorry to drop in, but I was so excited I couldn't wait. I have a surprise for you, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: For me? Well, I'm touched.
Connie Kendall: Ta-da.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh.
Katrina Meltsner: Oh?
Connie Kendall: It's your very own bedazzled wallet.
Valerie Swanson: You like the wallet I made for my dad so much, I thought I'd make you one of your own.
Eugene Meltsner: Wow. That's something.
Valerie Swanson: I made it more masculine too by using blue and green jewels. I think it turned out great, don't you?
Katrina Meltsner: Wow, Connie, you really have an eye for design. This is amazing. It's certainly not something you'd find at your average department store.
Eugene Meltsner: Yeah.
Connie Kendall: Uh, Connie Kendall original.
Eugene Meltsner: Shiny.
Connie Kendall: I like to think of it as shimmery.
Katrina Meltsner: Ooh.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, thank you, Miss Kendall. Very much indeed.
Connie Kendall: Do you like it?
Eugene Meltsner: My eyes are still adjusting.
Connie Kendall: Go ahead.
Eugene Meltsner: With what?
Connie Kendall: Put it in your pocket. See how it fits.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, of course. Mm. It's a bit of a tight squeeze. Pity I don't think I'll be able to use it.
Connie Kendall: Sure you can. You just have to push it down. There.
Eugene Meltsner: Perfect. Yes. Oh, goody.
Ryan Cummins: You can do it, Brad. Just read the cue cards. Ready? Take six. Can't you do the speaking stuff? Let me run the camera. I 've already done my part, and the assignment sheet says that the on camera speaking has to include both of us. Fine. And we're rolling. On June 14th, 1928, Franz Ferdinand, the heir to Australia, was assassinated while at lunch on the way to his carriage. That wasn't right, was it? No. I don't understand what the problem is. It's just that
John Avery Whittaker: What?
Ryan Cummins: Promise you won't tell?
John Avery Whittaker: Tell what?
Ryan Cummins: Promise.
John Avery Whittaker: Okay, I promise. I won't say anything. Well, whenever I give a speech in front of the class, the only person I see is Valerie.
Ryan Cummins: Yeah, that's enough to throw anyone off.
John Avery Whittaker: Yeah, she's great, isn't she?
Ryan Cummins: Great. I really like Valerie. I mean, like her, like her. So, I get nervous and say the dumbest stuff when she's around. When I gave my speech last week, I fumbled over my words because long eyelashes kept fluttering at me like basketball nets do when you shoot a swish through them. Her eyelashes swish every time she blinks. Valerie. The same Valerie I know? But she's so funky. Yeah, spunky like a pit bull. But she's not here. So, why are you nervous now? I know it doesn't make sense, but I know she's going to watch this. She's going to sit there in her chair batting her long eyelashes. It's just like I'm in front of the class. I I can't help myself. I can't believe I told you I never felt this way about a girl. I'd be humiliated if she ever found out. Okay, try this. Clear Valerie out of your mind. She's sick that day. Think of your grandma instead. My grandma lost her eyelashes in a broiler incident. Perfect. Don't look at the camera. Look right next to me. It's grandma smiling and listening and thinking you're doing a great job. Got it. And here's grandma rolling. On June 28th, 1914, Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian throne, was assassinated while in his carriage on his way to lunch. This bedazzling stuff is kind of addicting. I worked on these things half the night.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh, yes. I can see how you would be caught up in the excitement. Oh, what are they?
Connie Kendall: Well, this is a laptop case and a vest and a pair of socks. See? They all match.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, I can only imagine the response of the fortunate person who will be receiving them.
Connie Kendall: You're that person. They're all for you.
Eugene Meltsner: What? I mean, no, you can't. I I mean, you shouldn't have really.
Connie Kendall: Oh, it's no big deal. Try them on. Let's see how they look.
Eugene Meltsner: Miss Kendall, although I appreciate the thought and it's obvious you spend a long time doing this for me.
Connie Kendall: 6 hours.
Eugene Meltsner: 6 hours?
Connie Kendall: Till 2:00 a.m., but you're worth it, Eugene. You're a good friend.
Eugene Meltsner: But but you see, the the the thing is I Thank you.
Connie Kendall: You're welcome. Here, let me help you with the vest. Now the other arm. Wow. That really makes a statement.
Eugene Meltsner: Flamboyantly loud, I suspect.
John Avery Whittaker: Hi, Connie. Hi. Whoa. Eugene, that's shiny.
Eugene Meltsner: Shimmery.
John Avery Whittaker: You look like one of those guys who repairs the highway at night.
Connie Kendall: They wear fluorescent yellow, not jewels.
John Avery Whittaker: Is Brad here? We're supposed to work on our history project together.
Eugene Meltsner: Uh, I believe he's just there in the library.
John Avery Whittaker: Thanks.
Eugene Meltsner: A guy who repairs the highway at night.
Connie Kendall: Oh, Ryan's just jealous.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh. Hi. I didn't know we had an audience, Brad.
Ryan Cummins: Uh, an audience?
John Avery Whittaker: To work on our project, remember?
Connie Kendall: Hi, Ryan.
John Avery Whittaker: Valerie.
Connie Kendall: Did you bring your Franz Ferdinand action figures?
Ryan Cummins: What? Forget it. Uh, are you ready to edit the video? I was, but obviously you're busy with your new friend Valerie and her pals.
Connie Kendall: Actually, Brad and I have been friends for a long time.
Ryan Cummins: Oh, my mistake. Anyway, I can edit the video myself.
John Avery Whittaker: Are you sure?
Ryan Cummins: Yeah.
John Avery Whittaker: Uh, thanks.
Ryan Cummins: See you up.
Connie Kendall: See you, Franz.
John Avery Whittaker: Yeah. Just wait and see how I can edit it. Try to be a nice guy and what do you get? Double crossed by Brad backstabber.
Ryan Cummins: I really like Valerie. I mean, like her, like her. So, I get nervous and say the dumbest stuff when she's around. When I get
Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't need that.
Ryan Cummins: I can believe I told you I never felt this way about a girl. I'd be humiliated if she ever found out.
John Avery Whittaker: Oh. Wait a minute. I'd be humiliated if she ever found out. Mm. Maybe a little humiliation would do you some good, Mr. Backstabber.
Ryan Cummins: Hey, Ryan. Did you finish the video?
John Avery Whittaker: Yep. How did it come out? Pretty well. I gave it to Mrs. Meltzer. I told her to show it first. That's how proud I am of our project. Thanks for doing all that work.
Ryan Cummins: Oh, it was my pleasure. And um I wanted to explain something to you. I know it was weird when you came into the library at Wits End the other day.
Eugene Meltsner: Weird? What could be weird about it?
Ryan Cummins: Well, you know I 'm pretty horrible at all this public speaking stuff. But you always do so great. So, after our last speeches where we talked about the presidents, I was really embarrassed about how I did and well I I made fun of you to some of the other kids.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh?
Ryan Cummins: I felt really bad about it afterward. Anyway, they brought it up again yesterday. That what was going on when you walked in.
Eugene Meltsner: Oh. I see.
Ryan Cummins: It's my fault cuz I started it in the first place and I'm I 'm sorry. I told the guys after you left how great you've been to work with. I couldn't have done this project without you. I really appreciate it.
John Avery Whittaker: Sure. No problem. Hey, my parents are throwing a birthday party for me this weekend. They're running out the Laser Tag place. I really like you to come.
Ryan Cummins: Uh, well, that would be fun. But look, I really need to talk to Mrs. Meltzer for a minute.
John Avery Whittaker: Uh, I think you're too late.
Katrina Meltsner: Settle down, everyone. We have a lot to get done today. So, let's get started on our World War I presentations. We'll begin with Brad and Ryan who researched
Ryan Cummins: Uh, Mrs. Meltzer, ours isn't done yet.
John Avery Whittaker: It's not?
Katrina Meltsner: It's right here, Ryan. I'm starting with it like you asked.
Ryan Cummins: Uh, but I just remembered something that needs uh extra work. So, if we could have an extension
Katrina Meltsner: Sorry, it's due today.
Ryan Cummins: Um, well, can can I talk to you about it for a minute?
John Avery Whittaker: Don't worry about him, Mrs. Meltzer. He's just nervous cuz he had me for a partner.
Ryan Cummins: No. No, it's not that at all. It's um
Katrina Meltsner: I'm sure it's fine, Ryan. Let's watch it and see how you did.
Ryan Cummins: But I I really think that
Katrina Meltsner: Quiet, please.
Ryan Cummins: World War I. A war of deception, cruelty, and double crossing. Just when you think you know a country, you try to help them out and what do they do? Backstab. But right and love always prevails.
John Avery Whittaker: I really like Valerie. I mean, like her, like her. So, I get nervous and say the dumbest stuff when she's around. When I gave my speech last week, I fumbled over my words because long eyelashes kept fluttering at me like
Katrina Meltsner: What is this? I assume there's been a mistake, Ryan?
Ryan Cummins: Uh, it was an an outtake reel. Kind of.
Connie Kendall: Great outtake. Hey, Valerie, Brad those eyelashes for us.
Ryan Cummins: I could sue for this, you know.
John Avery Whittaker: Look, it was a mistake.
Katrina Meltsner: Okay, let's move on to the next report.
Ryan Cummins: I have to go.
Katrina Meltsner: Brad?
Ryan Cummins: Brad, wait. Oh, boy.
Chris: Want to contact us about the episodes you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.
Eugene Meltsner: Let me get this straight. You started out being nice because you thought Brad needed your help at school.
Ryan Cummins: Yeah, and I guess I felt bad for him.
Eugene Meltsner: So, you were being kind.
Ryan Cummins: Well, that's good, right? You talk about that around here all the time.
Eugene Meltsner: True. Though there's the be kind to someone because you expect him to be kind in return version and the be kind to someone even if he's not kind in return version.
Ryan Cummins: Uh, no offense, Mr. Whitaker, but nobody does the second version.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, actually Christians are expected to do it that way. It's what Jesus did. And he told us to follow his example. Remember what he said in the Sermon on the Mount? It's easy to be kind to those who are kind to us. But we're to be kind even to our enemies.
Ryan Cummins: That's great because now I have an enemy in Brad.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, don't be too sure. You should talk to him first and try that other thing Jesus talked about asking for forgiveness.
Ryan Cummins: There's no way he want to talk to me after what I did.
Eugene Meltsner: I wouldn't be too sure about that.
Ryan Cummins: What makes you think so?
Eugene Meltsner: Because he's waiting for you in the library.
Ryan Cummins: What? He is?
Eugene Meltsner: He was looking for you while you were looking for him. Go on in.
Ryan Cummins: Okay. Brad?
Eugene Meltsner: Hey, Ryan.
Ryan Cummins: Hey, we need to talk.
Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, I know.
Ryan Cummins: Look, Brad, I'm really sorry. I actually heard you making fun of me to the other kids. Anyway, I was mad and
Eugene Meltsner: Yeah, yeah, I I figured. I just need to know one thing.
Ryan Cummins: What?
Eugene Meltsner: Are you coming this weekend to my party? I need a tally for the Laser Tag reservation.
Ryan Cummins: What? Really?
Eugene Meltsner: Listen, I was pretty angry about what you did. But I figured I made fun of you and you got back at me. Neither of those things should have happened.
Ryan Cummins: Yeah, I'm sorry. I should have just talked with you about it to begin with. So, you'll forgive me? Done and over with. Besides, the whole thing turned out okay. It did? Yeah. Valerie was kind of flattered when she heard what I said on the video. So, she told me I could meet her here after school sometime and buy her an ice cream.
Eugene Meltsner: Really? She has great eyelashes, I hear.
Ryan Cummins: Mr. Whitaker, has Connie arrived yet?
Eugene Meltsner: No. Are you expecting her?
Ryan Cummins: Yes, though I need some time for preparation.
Eugene Meltsner: Preparation? For what?
Ryan Cummins: I'm returning her gifts.
Eugene Meltsner: Why?
Ryan Cummins: Because they make me look like a walking disco ball. Katrina actually convinced me to wear the vest out to dinner last night and four people thought I'd stolen it from an Elvis impersonator. I simply must tell her the truth.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, that's always a good policy uh with diplomacy, of course.
Ryan Cummins: Diplomacy. Yes. Well Well, about that.
Eugene Meltsner: Here's Connie now. And with your wife.
Valerie Swanson: Maybe you should start a full-time bedazzling business.
Connie Kendall: Yeah, I can call it Creations by Connie. Eugene could be my male model. Right, Eugene?
Eugene Meltsner: Yes. Well, before you book the photographer, I have something I must say.
Connie Kendall: Go ahead, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: Miss Kendall, while there may be men who look stylish in bedazzled fashion wear, although I personally don't know any nor could I conceive of such a person, I, on the other hand, look extraordinarily unattractive in it. Therefore, I must return these items to your personal care. Perhaps you can donate them to a needy lounge singer.
Connie Kendall: Really? You don't want them?
Eugene Meltsner: Alas, no.
Connie Kendall: Why didn't you tell me this in the first place?
Eugene Meltsner: Well, because I I didn't want to be unkind. And if I had been, then I will happily apologize into whatever I must to make amends.
Valerie Swanson: Oh, calm down, Eugene. I knew.
Eugene Meltsner: You knew what exactly?
Valerie Swanson: I knew that you hated everything I made for you.
Eugene Meltsner: Why would you ask me to wear all this if you knew?
Valerie Swanson: I was waiting to see how long it would take you to admit your true feelings.
Eugene Meltsner: You mean this was an experiment?
Valerie Swanson: It was a lesson, Eugene.
Eugene Meltsner: Uh.
Valerie Swanson: Lately you've been holding back about your real feelings at home and here at work. So, Connie and I concocted this little lesson.
Eugene Meltsner: A lesson? Mr. Whitaker,
John Avery Whittaker: Don't look at me. I had nothing to do with this.
Katrina Meltsner: We wanted to push you to find the balance between being nice and being honest like you didn't do with your opinion about my haircut.
Eugene Meltsner: You know, but I was attempting to be kind.
Katrina Meltsner: Of course, but it wouldn't have been unkind for you to say that you liked my hair longer.
Valerie Swanson: Just like you could have said that bedazzled fashion wear isn't your style.
Eugene Meltsner: Huh. Very well.
Valerie Swanson: Is there anything you want to add, Whedon? You've been standing there quietly with a silly grin on your face.
Eugene Meltsner: Well, only that I think you three should compare notes with Ryan and Brad in the library.
Ryan Cummins: Uh, there there seems to be a theme going on here.
Katrina Meltsner: Isn't there always?
Eugene Meltsner: I suppose there is, which is one of the reasons I love working at this place.
Chris: Today's episode showed us a few situations where being kind seemed downright complicated. But I hope you saw that at the heart of it being kind sometimes takes work and practice to get right. Are there people in your life who are tough to show kindness? What are some ways that would help you remember to choose to be kind to them? I'd love to hear your ideas. You can write to me at Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995. Or in Canada, that address is Box 9800, Vancouver, BC V6B 4G3. Or check out our website at witsend.org. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. Your Too Kind was written by Kathy Buchanan and directed by Bob Hoose with sound design by Christopher Deal. Our cast included Adam Wiley, Justin Prentiss, Audrey Wasilewski, and Will Ryan. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.