A Simple Act of Kindness: An Experience You'll Never Forget

A Random Act of Kindness is when you give something to someone and expect nothing in return. Sometimes the gifts are financial, but not always.

I Will Never Forget Izzie

One of my most memorable experiences took place at a local restaurant in the heart of Downtown Nashville: From time to time, I treat myself to some of their famous turkey and dressing. One day as I was standing at the counter ordering my meal, a woman came into the restaurant with a dollar bill in her hand. By the way she was dressed and carried herself, she appeared to be experiencing homelessness. She was small in size and very timid.

After struggling to do so, she finally made her way onto a stool at the counter and showed the waitress a dollar bill. As I listened to the conversation, my heart began to break.

The woman wanted to know if she could get some turkey and dressing for a dollar. The waitress was rather rude and told her she did not have enough money and it would be best if she left the restaurant. The woman then asked if she had enough money for some banana pudding. Again, the waitress said, "No" and told her she was too busy to keep answering her questions and told her to go away.

I couldn't take it anymore. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a 20 dollar bill, handed it to the waitress and told her to let the woman have some turkey and dressing, banana pudding, and anything else she wanted for $20.00.

I then walked over to this very timid and frail woman, gently put my hand on her shoulder and told her to enjoy her meal because it was paid for. I also told her to keep her dollar.

She was startled by my touch and almost fell off the stool. Once she realized I was not there to harm her but to help her, tears came into her eyes and she thanked me over and over again.

I left the restaurant with my to-go box in hand and a very good feeling in my heart.

I never saw this woman again, but what I experienced that day will never be forgotten. I didn't get a chance to ask her name, so I call her Izzie.

Sometimes Izzie comes to mind, and I say a prayer for her. I not only brought light into her dark world that day, she too provided light for me.

A Gift I'll Always Remember

When my husband decided to go to Bible College we both quit our jobs and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He became a full-time college student and I worked in an entry-level position at a bank. Our budget was extremely tight and sometimes we struggled to make ends meet.

One year on Christmas Eve, an older couple showed up at our apartment unexpectedly and handed us a Christmas card. They said they couldn't stay because they were headed out of town for the holidays. We closed the door, went into the kitchen and opened the card. Taped to the inside of the card was a crisp one hundred dollar bill.

This was exactly what we needed to get by until we received our next paycheck. It is an experience I'll never forget.

What Goes Around Comes Around

I am so grateful for men and women who put others before themselves.

As you go through this day, look for ways to make things better for other people. If you want to get the most out of life, put the needs of others on the list of things to do. When you bring light into the darkness through deeds of kindness, they will not be forgotten.

Thought for the day - "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have A Great Day!

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