Random Acts of Kindness

​I was standing in line at Chipotle, waiting my turn to place my order. No matter what time I go, there always seems to be a line. The man in front of me had a list and was ordering meals to-go for his entire family.  When he got to the register, he looked over at me and told the cashier, “Add her meal to my bill.”
 
I immediately said, “That’s so nice of you, but you don’t have to do that.” He replied, “I want to. Sorry for the extra wait.” I was still in shock, but thanked him, and walked out the door with a smile on my face and my free Chipotle dinner in hand.
 
This complete stranger had no idea of the long day that I had, but because of his random act of kindness, I ended that day feeling joyful. 

I love doing random acts of kindness for other people, but the past few months, I have been on the receiving end. It started with a stranger at Chipotle but then it continued, thanks to wonderful friends....
 
A card in the mail. A handwritten note. A gift card. A book with encouraging quotes. Favorite snacks and candy left for me on my desk at work.
 
I quickly discovered that my initial response is to repay the favor and do something for them, but I’m slowly learning how to simply say, “Thank you,” and receive their gift.
 
Sometimes we’re meant to be a blessing to others, and sometimes we're meant to receive a blessing.
 
My friends knew that I was going through a difficult time, and while their gifts didn’t change the situation, their care and support encouraged me to keep pressing on.
 
God used their simple acts of kindness to encourage me and to remind me that I am seen and loved.
 
Has God been bringing someone’s name to your mind recently? If so, reach out to them.

And if you feel prompted to do an act of kindness, follow through on that prompting. You never know what a difference you could make in someone's life. 

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop  ​