Random Acts of Kindness

Betsy at My Five Men has been inspired and is also inspiring others to do random acts of kindness...the pay it forward kind...no matter how big or how small. Betsy reminded me of a post from long ago where I had passed a long a coupon to a dear woman one day in the line at the store. She touched me deeply and reminded me that even in the midst of a joyous time of year...there is much sadness.

I was waiting in a rather long line at the art and craft store today. As I waited my turn I did what I often do and watch people in line and those around me. I find myself "filling in the blanks" about these people I do not know...

~that man holding embroidery thread looks grumpy 'cause his wife sent him out to get one more skein of blue to finish the baby bib for their great nephew out in California...
~that little girl has a birthday gift card and is gleefully waiting her turn to pay for her Crayola craft set...

The lady directly in front of me looked to be 70ish and had a sweet, soft face. She turned around to look at something and she seemed sad and distant, deep in thought. I noticed the only thing she had was a beautiful Christmas wreath. It had been crafted in the store with pine cones, holly, berries and a gorgeous antiqued Christmas ribbon with Cardinals on it. My mom enjoys Cardinals so I was intrigued at how pretty the wreath was. Then, I remembered that I had a great coupon for any hand crafted wreath. I pulled it out of my purse and asked the lady if she would like to use it. She smiled and graciously took it thanking me. I told her how lovely her wreath was...and she said she had bought it for her husband. As we chatted I discovered that her husband had recently died and she would be spending her first Christmas without him. He had been a lover of birds, especially Cardinals and she was tickled to find this wreath and planned to place it on his grave later today. By the time it was her turn to pay, I knew she had recently suffered through her husband's lengthy illness and then death. I completely understood why her sweet, soft face seemed so sad and thoughtful to me...she was buying a gift for him.

I am thankful for this lady today...amidst the beauty, joy and excitement of celebrating Christ's birth there is also sadness...I pray I will remember those that hurt ALL the time but especially at this time of year.


If you are interested in joining in or would just like to read about some other acts of kindness, pop over to visit Betsy at My Five Men!


 Originally published 12/08

RIGHT NOW...

I am obsessed with chocolate/banana smoothies...OH SO TASTY...and good for you too!

I LOVE this pink and orange fleece...it has been COLD, I have worn it a LOT.

Thrift store find too...double love!

This little fellow is RIGHT under my desk, at my feet...I love having him there.

Have I mentioned we have LOST OUR MINDS over this fur ball!?!

Comfort food...with the cold temps we needed a large pot of chicken and noodles.

Reading yet another EXCELLENT book! I HIGHLY recommend it.

 Feeling a bit melancholy that basketball season is almost over. These two are cousins and friends. Caleb graduates this year so their last year on the team together. Such fun to watch these two young men grow. They are PURE joy.

I have decided that it is IMPOSSIBLE to train a cat. (I am stubborn) I do NOT want her on my bed...but...there she is...

Celebrating Valentine's Day today...love to wear my Valentine apron and make treats!  

Have a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 

and weekend!

February FOCUS

I have a lot of energy. I have a LOT of plans.
I LOVE lists and organizing and GETTING THINGS DONE.
I attach myself to the miniscule and the details of work and daily life.
Yet, I still oftentimes lack...

FOCUS.

I want to LEARN to focus and give FULL ATTENTION to what is important.

I don't want to make diet, exercise and CRAZY NEW YEAR resolutions of ALL I am going to accomplish in 2014, as I do not think that is realistic for THIS chick.

But what I AM going to do is focus my attention on what is IMPORTANT to me and let many of the little things slide. My kids are growing at ALARMING rates...we will be into empty nest phase before we know it...I want to FOCUS on people and NOT on things.

Improving my FOCUS,

THAT is my mantra. 

To see...truly see...

Our village is full of hurting people with many needs. We pretend they do not exist or maybe, that is too harsh...we do not realize the depths of the needs.

He came in the shoppe for the third time...always very tentative until warmly greeted with smiles and welcome from the ladies volunteering. He smiled - never talking. 

He looks through the shoppe with great interest. Each time he visits our refreshment table 2 or 3 times taking a cookie and a drink and enjoying every bite.

On the first couple of visits he picked up an item or two and purchased them...no more than a couple of dollars.  On his third visit he gathered up several items of clothing and tried them on. Pleased with his choices he headed to the check out counter.

It was then that we realized he was hearing impaired. He carefully explained that he had little money but wondered if we would set his items aside and he would pay for them as he is able. It was explained to him that he could take his clothing with him right then and there would be no fee that day.

He was humbled, appreciative and thoroughly surprised.

He then took a piece of paper and wrote:

"Do you have any food?"

Our village food pantry was closed this particular day.  A quick phone call to the pantry found two ladies restocking and reorganizing the pantry and they gladly gathered up supplies for this unassuming man.

This is the purpose. This is why we work so hard.
I sure hope he comes back.