I’ve been wanting to write about this story for a couple of days now, and it is certainly not a story that deserves to play second fiddle to any other. This is a story that should outshine anything else, because it one that is a champion for kindness.
My daughter and I were at the mall the other day and stopped to fulfill our parched weary shopper’s bodies at the pretzel stand. She had a hankering for a Sprite, and I needed my regular Diet Coke standard. When it was our turn to order, the lady in front of us, turned around with three dollar bills in her hand. “For your Sprite, sweetie.” She handed my daughter the money and walked away.
Wow! I mean really…just Wow! I’ve heard about pay it forward, but I have never been the recipient of it. My daughter and I were stunned! She paid for her drink with the money. It cost only $1.50, so she had half the money left over. “Mom, do you think I should leave this money in the tip jar. That lady was so kind to me, and maybe I should show kindness to someone else, too.” Oh, I love my little girl. She is truly the kindest of souls.
“No, honey. That lady wanted you to have that money. I’ll put my money in the tip jar.” My daughter was so excited to have $1.50 to spend. She ended up buying bracelets that “she and her teddy bears could wear.” So sweet, and she was so thrilled.
Anyhow….what a beautiful moment we experienced together. It was a real lesson in generosity and kindness, and I know we both got a lot out of it.
My song of the day is Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors,” because kindness is the truest color of them all. I will make it a point to show as much of it as I can, and of course, some lucky recipient will experience a pay it forward moment from me very soon. It’s my turn to spread the love.
