Pay It Forward Friday

As mentioned earlier this week, I have been inspired by a couple of people... one, a total stranger in the drive-thru and two, Ian (from The Daily Dose of Reality). I am making a conscious, intentional effort to do at least one (though more acts would be even better) Random Act of Kindness once a week. I don't mean just being a "nice person". A Random Act of Kindness... Paying It Forward is a step above, and even a GREAT thing if it's something they cannot do for themselves... just like the movie suggests. And if you haven't watched the movie you SHOULD! Here is a brief clip...

Nothing I post is ever intended for self-glory. In fact, I'd much rather read what YOU have done for someone else. Be proud of the fact that you are making someone's life better, that you are GIVING instead of receiving. Although by Paying It Forward you will be receiving a better outlook and feeling about your worth.

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I was moved with the appreciation of a friend this week. I was sharing with my dear friend "L" the awesome cookbook I got last weekend (Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman Cooks). She loves to cook and is a great one and loves to share her goodies with her friends. She had commented more than once that she'd  wanted to get that cookbook. I knew it wasn't possible for her to do right now. She's a single mother and one of those children is also a young single mother & college student. They both do a wonderful job of mothering and give it their all. I stopped on the way home from work a couple of days ago for a few things and without having her or that book on my mind, the minute my feet stepped inside the store, I heard the words in my head, "buy L that book". It was clear to me and I never questioned the thought.

The next day I presented my friend L with this book and she was moved to tears, stating "no one ever buys anything for me". Her tears and the hug with thanks that I received made me a little emotional as well. I can't describe how it made me feel to do something that seemed so small to me, but seemed so great to her. It's a euphoria that makes you feel, even for just a short while, that this world is not hopeless. That each of us CAN make a difference in the lives of those within our reach.

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I hope you are encouraged to seek out an act of kindness. And I'd love to read about it. Feel free to grab the button and link up to share with us how you have made a difference. No kind gesture to another is too small.