The Kindness of a Stranger

As I was driving home from an appointment one day last week, I was in a very contemplative and somber mood.  I pulled in to the drive-thru at my favorite coffee place and placed an order.  I got my usual coffee, but also some extras that normally, I wouldn't do. How could I resist a pumpkin scone to celebrate fall? :-)  I also added on a bottle of water, because unfortunately the word "fall" to my dismay, doesn't mean cooler temperatures these days and my car doesn't have AC!  The water was a necessity!

As I sat in the very long line, windows open, sun beating relentlessly on me - I was thinking about everything that I needed to do that day and how I was going to make it all happen with the time I had available.  I'll admit, I was feeling weary and a bit overwhelmed.  It was finally my turn at the window and I reached out with my phone in hand to pay for my bill with my handy dandy app! The very pleasant barista handed me all of my items and said, "honey you are all taken care of, the person ahead of you paid for it all!"  I had a brief moment of disbelief , and then a quick feeling of guilt, because I had ordered more than I usually do! Then there was a feeling of awe, that a stranger would do something like that for me?  For me?  It brought tears to my eyes and lifted my spirit more than you know!

Over the next couple of days, I thought about how something so simple changed my perspective for the rest of the day and added just a little pep in my step!  Can you imagine what would happen if everyone just took a little extra time or effort to do or say something positive to someone else? Just a kind word, a thank you, an I love you or even a paid order at your favorite cafe!  Isn't that what God asks of us?

 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11

I've been reminded, because of this one simple act of kindness, that it is exactly what we should be doing - not just as brothers and sisters in Christ, but as human beings wanting to show love and kindness to God's special creation - PEOPLE! 

I've also been reminded that for some, it's very easy to show this kindness and not always as easy to accept it from others - but we need to!  I learned a long time ago, that receiving and accepting the kindness of others is just as encouraging and special as giving it!  I don't know about you, but I get so much joy out of doing for others - I have been known to pay for someone behind me in a drive-thru and the feeling is just as satisfying as it was the day that someone did that for me.  Don't rob someone of that joy - when given the opportunity to give or receive do it with a gracious and joyful heart!  You will be blessed beyond measure!

Praying you will feel kindness from others, Praising God for His kindness to all and Pondering what He desires next.