Stories of Kindness from Around the World

At 5:20pm ...


--by omtaratutare, posted Aug 21, 2007

Today, I was smile card obsessed. I had my son and friend take a flower arrangement and ding-dong-ditch the neighbor. Then, I realized I had a huge zucchini in my garden and I am leaving town. So I ran it to another neighbor with a smile card ... pounding on the door and running as fast as I could lest I get caught. I know how the grandma living next door loves cooking with fresh veggies, and it warms my heart and makes me smile that this will not be wasted. 

Then, I was thinking I want to do more ... but why does it have to be about stuff?  I am feeling more and more materially withdrawn from our consuming nation.  A little voice inside me said, "Just allow it to happen.  Something will inspire you."  And it did.

I walked into Trader Joe's and started to pickup some groceries for my family, while I'm away.  I made my way to the produce area and I heard a voice behind me say, "It is 5:20pm."  And I quickly felt the urge to turn around and blurt out, "and I do not know if anyone has told you this today but you are absolutely beautiful."  I grabbed the man's arm and looked deep into his eyes -- “Thank YOU! Thank you so much!"

He gave me the inspiration in that moment, and I just wanted to give him a big hug.  It does not have to be about the stuff. 

To be honest, today at 5:20pm, I felt like I was tagged.  And it felt euphoric to be with that bliss. I will be paying it forward again and again.

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Readers Comments

JuneBug wrote: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING! GREAT STORY!
afriendlysmile wrote: Wonderful story,after all you acts of kindness you deserved a acompliment, you are beautiful outside and inside.

Thank you for caring and sharing.
Hugs and smiles,
afriendlysmile:)
AURELIA wrote: WOW...that's so nice to here. I'm glad you were inspired to do those neat things. The big zucchini not going to waste made me laugh...we've all had them in our gardens!! SMILE TARA, you're beautiful :) ~Aurelia

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