Random Acts of Kindness

Remember the craze about a dozen years ago of practicing “random acts of kindness”? Well apparently it hasn’t totally ended. I came into the store the other day and the owner of the patisserie next door (www.hereghty’s.com – a wonderful place) followed me in with a coffee and croissant which he handed to me. When I asked what was up, he explained that a customer had paid for it and asked him to deliver it to me. It was such an unexpected and thoughtful touch that it had me smiling all day.

When I mentioned it to my neighbor during our morning walk, she told me about going over to an elderly neighbor’s house to mow the lawn and cut down a dead tree. Within minutes, three other neighbors came over and helped out and by the end the yard was in wonderful shape. The shut-in was so touched by the help that it has put a spring in her step.

I remember an article I read about a drive through window at a coffee place that had someone leave money to pay for the person behind him, and it triggered a wave – over 50 people “paid it forward” (check it out: http://www.kcci.com/family/18211725/detail.html).

I think it is good for the soul to do something for someone else with no strings attached and no expectation of recognition. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. But I think that it’s a goal to try to find something to do for another, whether it’s every day or occasionally. And I’d love to hear your stories of giving, or receiving, such an act.