When Tables Turn Randomly...

--by barbara.brady, posted Jun 2, 2009

A week ago I received my "smile cards" in the mail. I was so excited to give out my first card! I had to go to the grocery store, so I decided to give out a card there.

The plan was to let the person in line behind me at the checkout counter go in front of me - no matter how many groceries were in their cart! I got in line and anxiously waited for someone to come up behind me. Unfortunately, the clerk closed the line behind me so there wasn't anyone there to give it to! I pushed my cart to the parking lot where my car was parked. I spied a young pregnant woman unloading her groceries. My plan then changed - after I put my bags in the car, I would offer to return her cart for her so she wouldn't have to walk far in the afternoon heat. I hurried up with my bags, anticipating a chance to help someone and give away the card that was stored ready and waiting in my pocket. When I turned to help her, however, I saw that she had already returned her cart.

Just as I decided to give up for the day, a young man showed up at my car and said, "Here, it's hot out today. Let me take YOUR cart for you!" I ended up being the recipient of an act of kindness, totally unexpected. I keep the cards with me at all times, but I learned that random acts of kindness work best when they are unplanned and just that - random!!

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Posted by barbara.brady
Jun 2, 2009
Comments (4)

Readers Comments

cabbage wrote: That is a great story! You are right--best to be prepared and act "in the moment" instead of planning it all out :-)
Thanks for spreading smiles!

grammagussie wrote: Better luck next time. In the meantime enjoy the anticipation. :)

AURELIA wrote: Sounds like you had a good time just trying to give them away. Kindness is all around us... I glad someone tagged you first!!! :0) ~Aurelia

FairyBubbles wrote: Yes, I know just how you feel - but you had a good time trying!

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