I was grabbing some caffeine at my local coffee shop — my mind preoccupied on work and random things — and when I got to the window to pay I was told that the person ahead of had bought my coffee.
That small act of kindness changed my entire day around.
After it happened, I first thought about how I wanted to reach out to that stranger to say thank you, but they were gone by the time I knew of their kindness. The second thing I thought about was paying for the person behind me in the drive-thru line. By doing so, I immediately got a little joy in my heart knowing that I would make that stranger smile.
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
{Ephesians 4:32, KJV}
How often do we become preoccupied with our own interests and worries that we overlook opportunities to be kind to strangers who can do nothing for us?
It’s easy to get into a routine and a mindset of keeping to ourselves that we miss out on making connections and being a light in the easiest and simplest of ways. By lending a hand to someone struggling with their groceries, paying for the person behind you in a drive thru, simply smiling at your cashier and talking to them, or by asking someone about their day and really listening, you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life. All of these simple small things could lead you to making a connection with someone who is in need and aching. Lend them hope that kindness is still out there in the world — let them know that someone cares and loves them. Tell them about Jesus and share His word.
I encourage you to find a simple way to make a difference to someone who will least expect it. Leave a cupcake for the mailman in your mailbox, bake some cookies for your neighbor, and share a smile with a stranger.
Tag your Instagram posts with #TheIntentionalGirl to share the ways you’re spreading kindness each day!