When was the last time somebody went out of the way to do
something nice for you?
– such as a favor you didn’t ask for, something spontaneous and
thoughtful. Better yet, when was the last time you were the giver
and not the recipient?
When was the last time somebody went out of the way to do something nice for you? – such as a favor you didn’t ask for, something spontaneous and thoughtful. Better yet, when was the last time you were the giver and not the recipient? If you are a giver, I want you to know that your little acts of kindness can really go a long way. It may take years to take effect, but it won’t be forgotten.
It has been more than 25 years since someone arranged to pay my way so I could go to youth camp with my church. When I realized what was done for me I was really touched by the thoughtfulness, but I never got a chance to say thank you and I didn’t know who to thank. Every time I think back on going to youth camp, I think about this generosity and I’m so grateful. Recently I had the opportunity to pay camp tuition for a young lady whose circumstances reminded me of my own so long ago, and I thought about that as I wrote my check. It was the least I could do and I’ll do again as often as I can. I was so happy to finally have the opportunity to help a girl like me. It’s my way of saying thank you. So whoever you are, my anonymous mentor, what you did wasn’t forgotten and I thank you for helping me to help another. It felt great!
Later, as an adult and a single mom, I was struggling financially, s and the sweetest girl at a local hair salon used to do my hair at a discounted rate. I didn’t ask her for a special deal or to feel sorry for me. She just discreetly told me she’d give me a deal because I was a single mom. I don’t know what inspired her to give me a break, but I’ve never forgotten it. Maybe she was paying it forward for her own reasons. In any case, I really appreciated it and now 14 years later, I own my own business and I think about her every time we do a job at a discount rate for someone who needs it. Hair stylist, thank you so much! I’ve never forgotten you, and your kindness carries forward today. Your influence made me a better person. I can’t tell you how many people have benefited from your example.
It’s amazing how we become who we are by absorbing bits and pieces of those people who influence us. For me it’s the little thoughtful things people do that matter the most. A “thinking of you” card in the mail, returning a borrowed car with a full tank of gas or freshly washed, paying for two field trips at your child’s school or something as simple as sending two packed lunches on that trip. I assure you, it will be needed and the child who receives it will remember that someone cared. The act of these little generosities is not insignificant. Even though in the moment it may feel small to you, so is a sunflower seed. And in time, one will become hundreds.
I think deep down everyone feels the urge to say thanks to those who’ve helped and inspired us along the way. Personally, I wish I could go back in time and thank each and every individual face to face who gave me a break or took a chance on me. I want them to know that with me, those little seeds of compassion are still being paid forward on a regular basis many times over on their behalf.
If you want to say thank you to someone in your life who did you a favor, I assure you paying it forward is an awesome way to show your appreciation. It’s never too late to start planting your own seeds.
