Who Will You Be Kind To Today?

Marlene

We can't always wait for others to step in when life gets tough. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is take the initiative and help someone else. Not only will you witness the profound impact of kindness on others, but you'll also feel its warmth in your own heart.

I recall one Thanksgiving season at Meijer. The woman ahead of me in line had a cart full of groceries. She explained to the cashier that it was her year to host Thanksgiving and politely asked for a running total since she had brought only a set amount of money.

As the total approached her limit, the cashier had to set aside about ten items from her cart. The woman began to cry, clearly embarrassed that she couldn't afford everything she needed. Moved by her situation, I caught the cashier's eye and discreetly signaled that I would pay for the items left behind.

The woman looked around, hoping to see who had helped her, but everyone in line denied it. Once she finished checking out, I approached her and gently explained that I had overheard her conversation. Tears filled her eyes again as she shared that the rising cost of food had left her stretched thin, and now she didn't even have money for gas to get home.

Our eyes met, and I wanted to help her further. I placed $50 in her hands. She hesitated and tried to refuse, but I urged her, saying, "Please, let me help. I've been in your shoes before, and strangers were there for me when I least expected it. Now it's my turn."

She called me an angel, but I'm not.

I'm simply someone who believes in compassion and the power of small acts of kindness. When I can, I love to extend that kindness to others.

We all have opportunities to help others in our own way. And when we do, it's not just for them, it's for us, too. Those good feelings ripple outward and have a way of returning to us in surprising and beautiful ways.

Though we can't help everybody, we can all help somebody. Let's make this holiday season one to remember. Spread kindness, and watch how it brightens the world around you.