“Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up.” Jesse Jackson

I am filled with gratitude today.

I’m sure I am not alone when I assume that many people are fed up with the negativity surrounding social media, news stories and natural conversation in the public. It seems that the drama of negative news poses entertainment for some people who can’t find positive things to be conversational about.

Early this morning I spent some time at a local small town coffee shop. So small that they only accepted cash for purchases. Being someone who rarely carries cash I proceeded to pay for my coffee with a debit card and quickly found out that they didn’t accept electronic transactions. I felt bad because I wanted to support their business and wanted the convenience of not having to search for another venue. The bill amounted to only $2.25.

The conversation went something like this:

Them – “No problem about the payment, can you stop back later to pay?”

Me – “Probably not, I won’t be able to get back here before you close tonight.”

Them – “Well, when is the next time you are in the area? We’ll square up then.”

Me – “I can stop back tomorrow morning. Will you be here?”

Them – “No, but I will just write your name on the receipt and you can just pay whoever is here.”

Me – “Really? You trust me that much?”

She proceeded to take my receipt and tape it to the wall; and mine was not the only one up there.

Them – “Yes.”  (With a smile)

…(And of course I will be dropping off my ‘payment’ – with interest, tomorrow)!

Human kindness is an expression of the heart that can’t be bought or sold but can only be given freely through our actions. The fact that this coffee shop believes in trusting people is an ACT of kindness.

Action includes some kind of self-sacrifice and therefore generosity on our part. I have been the receiver of so much kindness lately that it has encouraged this posting. Have you received any kindness lately worthy of sharing? I would love to start a feed of positive postings surrounding the good things people are doing in the world.

Please share in the comments section below.

“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” 1 John 3:18

Love, Kristen