Random acts of kindness

Pay It Forward

I was reading Tink's Blog and she posted about the way the world is and how sad it all is the way people treat each other and how cruel they can be to God's other creatures, too. People can be harsh, self-centered and not care about others. It's true and very sad. Tink wants us to do something nice for someone else and try to get a good vibe going in the world again. And that's a very worthy pursuit!

I plan to get back to doing nice things for strangers. Even something as mundane and simple as holding a door for someone or letting them have your place in line can make someone's day. There may be someone out there who is having a really rough day. Maybe they just got fired, or they are over-drawn in their checking account and don't know where next months rent is coming from. Or maybe they just broke up with their boyfriend or spouse. Holding a door open isn't going to pay their rent or patch up a cracked relationship, but it just might give them the incentive they need to get out there and do something positive about their situation.

I hate to admit that I've been pretty self-absorbed lately. I used to love to do little things for someone when the opportunity presented itself. I haven't done much of that lately. I'm going to get back to trying to help others when I can. Tink has inspired me with her plea and I know that the things I do may be trivial but they can really make a little difference that react like a rock thrown into a pool ...the good vibes spread like the ripples in the water.

Thinking back , I remember that feeling when you help someone out. Someone who doesn't know you and who you'll probably never see again.

One time I was waiting in line at a convenient store to pay for gas I had just gotten. There was a young man in line in front of me buying a few groceries. The clerk told him he was over $2 short for what he has on the counter. He dug in his pockets and couldn't come up with anymore money. I handed the clerk $3, she made change and he took his groceries and left the store. Not a word did he say to me or to the clerk. I just shrugged it off but was a little disappointed that there was no thank-you forthcoming. I paid for my gas and went out to get in my car. As I settled in my seat, the young man came to my car window and looked in and said "Thank you, I'm sorry but you took me by such surprise, I didn't know what to say at first." I just told him, "You don't need to thank me...just do something nice for someone else." He promised he would and walked away. I smiled all day. It really did make me feel good.

The only thing I've done for anyone lately was that I gave some money to my son's best friend. He helped us out so much all during the time Jon was sick and I could never re-pay him. I bought him a fish-finder (something he couldn't afford to buy himself...he's an avid fisherman and always wanted one.) and I gave him some money. I got some from my son's life insurance and I know Jon would be happy that I'm sharing the money, that I got, with his friend. That made me feel really good too. The friend is a hard-working young man that has a family and is struggling with money right now. So it will make a difference in his life.

It doesn't have to be about money...I know that, but it just has to be something that's helpful and heart-felt. Just reach out your hand to someone who needs it.



My goal for the week is to do at least one random act of kindness every day. I know it will make me very happy and I hope it will be payed forward.

Give it a try...if you're having a bad day, I guarantee it will make you feel much better!