A Random Act of Kindness

As a working mom, I typically run errands during my lunch break so that I can spend more time with my family in the evenings. Today because I was pressed for time, I decided to go through the drive-thru at McDonald's to grab a bite to eat. I placed my order and proceeded to the payment window. Imagine my surprise when I tried to hand the cashier my money and she told me never mind that the lady in front of me had paid for my lunch and everyone else's in the drive-thru line. I was flabbergasted to say the least. I felt like I had won the lottery. Seriously? Sometimes the smallest gestures can produce the biggest smiles.

I didn't know my lady benefactor. All I saw was the rear of her metallic tan sedan. I can't recall the make or model of her car or her license plate. (Note to self: I really need to pay more attention.) This person I didn't know from Adam's house cat paid for MY lunch. She didn't have to but she did. It didn't cost much ($6) but her gesture left a lasting impression. I wanted to thank her but she had driven away before I could absorb what had just happened. I sat there for a minute in complete awe. Then I thought...what could I do to make some one's day, someone I didn't know? I decided then and there to take the money I would have paid for my lunch and use it for a random act of kindness.

I consider myself blessed to be able to afford good childcare for my son but I thought about those parents who struggle to pay for daycare each week. So I placed my lunch money in an envelope with a note and deposited it in my daycare's payment box. My note told of my good fortune and that I wanted to pass that good fortune along. I asked the administrator to put the money towards an account that needed it. My ten dollars probably is not enough to make a true difference but at least I hope it will bring a smile to some one's face. I also hope that the recipient of my random act of kindness pays it forward. And to the lady who bought my lunch today, thank you. You made my day and made me believe that there are more good people in the world than I had recently thought. God bless you.