I've been quietly attempting to practice random acts of kindness on a regular basis. In my head, I've almost romanticized the idea of an ongoing pay it forward line at my local Starbucks. Ironically, it seemed like every time I went through the Starbucks drive-thru there would be no one behind me.
One morning I was waiting in line at the Starucks drive-thru grumbling to myself. I was absorbed in my own little world ... thinking about my upcoming workday ... flustered by the errands I had to run after that ... stressed with the realization that I didn't have anything in the house for dinner that night ...
[Big Old-Fashion Batman BAM!]
Ok, ok, so it was more of a tap. But it knocked me out of my train of thought. I looked in the review mirror to see the gentlemen behind me was jumping out of his car to look for bumper damage. I stepped out of my car and before I could speak, he immediately began to apologize. He was beyond frazzled and he had this look, as if he was expecting me to go all soccer mom on him. There was no damage and I reassured him multiple times that it wasn't a big deal. Finally as he got into his car he said, "It's only eight-thirty and I am having the worst day already."
I pulled up to the window and paid for my coffee. As the cashier was handing me my card back it hit me, THIS was my opportunity to pay it forward.
I asked her if she'd mind running a second transaction. She said no problem, but then mentioned that the gentlemen was not only getting a drink, but also a sandwich and ground coffee. The question lingered for a moment, "Do you still want to pay for his transaction?"
I drove off hoping the small gesture would change the course of his day. I smiled knowing there was not another car behind him in line. He would experience a random act of kindness without feeling he had to immediately pay it forward by covering coffee for the person behind him.
When you're not paying attention, sometimes inspiration literally hits you.
Looking for additional ways to do simple random acts of kindness with your child?
Here are some of my favorite resources:
- Katie of Live Craft Eat makes acts of kindness FUN with this "Secret Service" approach. Get all the details and an awesome certificate printable here on Melissa & Doug's blog Playtime Press.
- We loved this short (and free) Put-ups eLesson from Playful Learning.
- Follow this great Pinterest board for ongoing inspiration in your feed.
- Terri of Creative Family Fun made pretty bookmarks & hid them in library books to give a little something special to the next kid who checked out the book.
- Sheila of Pennies of Time offers parents a list of simple services kids can do to show kindness.
- Megan over at Coffee Cups and Crayons is working with parents to inspire them to participate in a 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge.
- Looking for an ongoing commitment? Get monthly inspiration by signing up for this great service challenge from Trust Me, I'm a Mom.
Spread the love,
P.S. My mother-in-law bought me a gift card for Starbucks over the holidays. I pulled-up this morning, the cashier greeted me, and then she said, "You're coffee is already covered. Would you like to pay it forward? The total for the person behind you is $4.04." What a wonderful feeling.
I'd love if you would share an experience you've had with a random act of kindness. This story in the Facebook comments below from Caitlyn nearly made me cry. Click below to read it...
Dedication: This random act of kindness was inspired by Valerie of Inner Child Fun and her 35 Acts of Kindness Birthday Challenge. Valerie is constantly inspiring me to be a more giving, caring, and grateful person. Thank you. XO {{{{chocolate chips}}}}
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