Sunday, August 31, 2008

Seeds of Kindness...


My 10yr. old daughter and I approached the cash register at the grocery store to hear the cashier tell a young man he owed $3.26. The young man who was mentally disabled said sweetly "Okay, I'm not very good at this." He proceeded to count his change one coin at a time with much difficulty. The one thing I noticed is that the young cashier was overly patient with this man who at this time was holding up the line. I thought how unique it is in this day and age for young people to show such patience and kindness. She helped him count $2.14...$2.15...$2.16...$2.17 this is where he ran out of coins and where the man in between us ran out of patience he was looking around for an empty register and showing his disgust in having to wait. The patient young cashier never faultered. The young man asked if he could put one thing back and that is when I looked to see what he was purchasing...3 kits to make necklaces out of the dollar store department. Something came over me and I imagined him threading a necklace with pride perhaps for his mother..God spoke to me and I reached past the impatient man and asked the sweet cashier if she would kindly ring all 3 things on my debit card. She accepted my card with a smile and the young man turned to me and said "Thank you, you did not have to do that." Oh but I did I thought because when God speaks to me, I do not argue. But this is where the real gift takes place, my 10yr. old daughter looks up at me with her big blue eyes filled with tears and says, "Thank you mommy, I am so proud of you, that was a wonderful thing you did." I thought to myself I have spread the seed of kindness to my child and one day she will help another who needs it. I wish I had told the cashier how proud I was of her, hopefully she knows. This post is not a boastful one, but I would love for everyone who reads this to leave me a post, I would like to see how far my seed travels. I challenge everyone to do something kind for someone else today even if it is just a smile or a kind word, it could change their life. God bless you all, Paula

18 comments:

The Smith Family said...

Hi..I just stumbled onto your blog. I think it is so important to spread the seed of kindness. You're right, you never know how a kind word or a action will effect someone! I loved your story!! I will go forward this week remembering to be kinder in my everyday actions :)

Deb said...

If I could instill those seeds in my little ones, my job would be done. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. I will definitely be looking for ways to show the seeds of kindness to my daughters and all those around us.

Mario and Amy Andreani said...

What a great experience for you to be able to share with your daughter! Like I've read in a great book, every day we are packing our children's suitcase to take with them when they start their own journey in life. This experience you shared has definitely made an impression on your daughter and those around you. I am trying to show Ethan and Emma as well the importance of kindness. Thanks for sharing! I think sometimes we can get consumed by our daily activities and forget what is most important. I will definitely focus on ways I too can instill those seeds of kindness in my children!

Miss You!

Amy

Country French Antiques said...

How blessed your daughter is to have you as her Mother.
Sparkle on !!!

Anonymous said...

Just leaving a comment to let you know the seeds are spreading. The line about "when God speaks I dare not argue" is what I love especially.
~Amber

Anonymous said...

I just came across your blog from Inspired Home. That is a beautiful story and bought a tear to my eye. My 5 year old daughter wondered why I was wiping my eyes and I told her your tale, so your seed of kindness was spread even further to England.

Thanks for sharing x

Darlene said...

Oh my you are indeed a blessing. Your daughter will probably remember that for the rest of her life and you are definitely spreading the seeds of kindness!!

e.m. said...

Beautiful. My eyes are all misty!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

That is a beautiful & inspirational story!

Blessings,
Melissa

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

God bless you for your kindness! We need to hear of these special acts often, very OFTEN!!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Rae said...

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I often think about my brother (who is mentally delayed) and wonder what happens when he is out by himself. Are people kind to him? Accepting of him? We can share kindness one sweet action at a time!

Christina said...

What a beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes. I know that your daughter learned a great lesson. It is a good lesson for me too. Thanks for sharing the story.

Mandy said...

This touched me. There have been times that I feel that nudge and let it go..then feel that I could have had a REAL God appointment. I admire you for following through. How awesome for you to receive such a blessing from this...Not only you but your daughter!!!

Janet said...

What a lovely story; the world certainly needs more kindness. I helped a grandmother buy some fries for her granddaughters at McDonalds the other day. She was short a quarter and it was so easy to just hand one to the cashier. She and the little girls were very grateful and it made me feel good all day. Random acts of kindness, pass them on I say.

Janet@Housepeepers

Paul Pincus said...

you just made my week.

cheers to you and your family.

cherry said...

Ohhh Paula...that brought tears to my eyes. I will try to do that today somewhere somehow...thank you for the beautiful reminder. Hugs, cherry

Rachel Berry said...

Oh my gosh you had me crying!! That was the best thing I've read in a while. Your awesome and your daughter thinks so as well. :) What a great example of kindness you are to others. GO YOU!

As for your fall decor! I AM IN LOVE WITH ALL YOUR STUFF. Those witches legs are cracking me up. I need to make me some of those. And your Mantle is simply AMAZING! Makes me want to find some Old Tin and make one for myself well have my hubby make it for me Sigh.... I now have a new blog to read. :)

cherry said...

Where are you missy???? I miss your posts. cherry