Random Acts of Kindness

Have you ever committed a random act of kindness? Have you witnessed a random act of kindness? Have you been a recipient of a random act of kindness?

I have from time to time committed random acts of kindness from donating money to various causes at convenience stores and charities to handing money to homeless people. I have donated clothing and belongings to thrift stores, food to food banks, made baked goods for friends and co-workers. I have given compliments to others, shared my time, knowledge and resources over the years. There are so many ways to be kind to others, whether you know them or not, that can make a difference even in small ways that are beneficial. What I have learned is the very act of being kind and giving is reward in and of itself.

I work as a server in a busy brewpub restaurant and bar. Over the years I have seen many random acts of kindness. For example: An elderly couple overheard a young couple with two kids talking about what they could afford on the menu versus what they wanted to eat that cost more than they could afford. After which they called their server over and asked what the young couple had ordered and learned they only ordered water and two soups with extra crackers.

Earlier they had overheard how they wished they could afford the pepperoni pizza and mac n cheese for the kids. The elderly couple informed the server to bring the pizza and kids mac n cheese and that they would pay for the rest of their order, and in addition, they bought a gift card for $50 for them. The elderly couple paid the bill and left.

A while later the server brought the food the elderly couple ordered on their behalf and told them "You've been hit by a random act of kindness, enjoy your meal, it's been paid for!" The young couple smiled, and tears of gratitude ran down the young mother's face as she said, "Thank you" to the server and asked who had paid. The server replied, "That couple who sat in the booth behind you and also told me to give you two this gift card too."

Over the years I have seen military men and women come in the pub to eat, and quite often their meals are paid by others who also thank them for their service. This happens quite often with military patrons; I have witnessed this at least a half dozen times in past year alone. These military patrons are always quite appreciative of a free meal and to be acknowledged for their service. And it gives people who want to thank them for their service opportunity to do something kind.

A while ago I went to a local drive-through coffee house; there was one customer & car before me. When it was my turn I, ordered a large vanilla latte. The barista handed me my coffee and said, "No charge, you've been hit by a random act of kindness, the lady who came before you paid for your coffee!"

"Really," I said, "Wow how nice of her!" I smiled in delight and was touched that a complete stranger chose to give me a simple gift a cup of coffee. Prior to going to this coffee house I was in a rotten mood from having car issues earlier, but this changed my attitude and made my day turn around! In kind I gave the barista a generous tip and money enough for the next customer to also have a cup of coffee free of charge!

In closing, random acts of kindness can be small or big, they can brighten someones day, change their attitude, make someone smile and help others. There are countless ways to be kind to those you know and love, to strangers you'll never know or meet, to causes and charities worthwhile. And who knows, perhaps your random act of kindness will inspire someone else to pay it forward. Imagine for a moment if everyone on this planet was inspired to commit at least one random act of kindness each day; will you commit to doing at least one random act of kindness today? "It only takes one person and one act of kindness to inspire others and create change." —Jennifer Hogan.

By, KB