December 21-lunch with a friend

Well, I am currently very alone on campus. So one of my friends called me and invited me out lunch with them today. It was so nice to go spend some time with these two friends that I had not seen in a while. Lunch was a blast! We laughed and talked for hours! When it was time for the bill, my friend refused to let me pay. What a nice gesture! I decided to turn that one random act into another random act! I decided to take the money I had set aside to buy my lunch and gave it to our waitress as a tip. I wrote on the back of one of the receipts "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Pay it forward :-)" I left the money there with the other tip money from my friend and we left. I hope it made her day. Merry Christmas!

December 20-Merry Christmas!

      Today as I began to think about what do for my random act I began to think about all the random acts I have done. As I began to think I realized that I had done some pretty awesome things, but there was one group in particular that I felt like I could do more for. That was when I got my inspiration.
      Today a friend and I went to grab some dinner. We decided to go to a local mom and pop shop (which was awesome!). Next door there was a coffee shop, and I saw it! Inside this coffee shop I could see two young men, about my age, frantically trying to clean before the next big rush came through. This coffee shop is very popular, but isn't a big brand. So I decided to walk in before I went and got dinner. When my friend and I walked into the coffee shop the two men welcomed us both as we entered. My friend stood at the door while I walked up to the counter. I could tell  I had a huge smile on my face, but I just couldn't help it. I knew I was about to make their day. I walked up to the counter, one of the men said hello, and I simply said "I don't want anything except to make your day a little better, Merry Christmas!" Midway through my sentence both men were now standing in front of me and they both watched me drop a folded up bill into their tip jar. Both men didn't know what to say. They just stared. I again said Merry Christmas as I walked away. When I opened the door to leave I turned around. They both put up a hand to waive goodbye and said Merry Christmas back. We all ended with huge smiles, the way the holidays are supposed to be.
 

December 19-Random act times 2!

     Today I called my dad to tell him about my overall GPA for the semester. He was very proud of me and bought me pizza for lunch. Of course I was excited because I didn't have to cook or pay! However, I decided to make this the perfect Random Act for the day. So I ordered my pizza from Jet's Pizza, one of my favorites. Went and got gas, then headed to pick up my delicious meal.
     When I got there I was greeted by their group "Welcome to Jet's." I smiled and walked up to the counter. The guy was very nice and asked how my day had been. I said fantastic! (because they almost always are!) After a few moments of chit-chat he asked for my name to pick up my pizza. I told him what it was, and then began the sometimes awkward conversation that goes with Random Acts.
      I said "Is there another order placed that has a similar price as mine?" He looked in the computer and said here is one. I said "I'd like to pay for that too please."  The guy looked at me and asked if I knew who ever Don is. I smiled and said no I just want to pay for it. He then asked me if I had won the lottery. Again I smiled and said no but this time said "I'm doing 30 days of random acts of kindness and want to pay it forward to this guy, so I want to buy his lunch." The guy behind the counter literally laughed out loud and said wow, really? Then said "This is by far the coolest thing. You just made my day!" I laughed and paid for my pizza. Before I could pay for Don's pizza, the guy said let me ask my manager, I just want to make sure this is okay. He called is manager over and said "Hey! So the coolest thing is happening right now, this girl wants to buy this guy's pizza. Is that allowed?" The manager walked over half puzzled half shocked. I again explained what I was doing and  he said ya as long as she agrees. The manager then added to the conversation about how awesome this was. I told them both that they should first, check out this blog, and second try it themselves. Jason (the cashier) said he would but is poor. I said random acts don't have to cost money. I told him some of the things that I had done and he said I"m totally doing this. The manager, Andrew, said "I'm going to do this too! What an awesome way to give back." They asked for my blog address to read about what I've been doing and even asked for some ideas.
     Somewhere in the middle of this conversation I asked for a piece of paper. I wrote Don a little note. It simply said "Merry Christmas Don! have a great new year :-) " Jason and Andrew assured me that it would get to him. They both said they wanted to be there when Don came to get his pizza to see his reaction. Andrew said, "if you remember the next time you come in ask for one of us and we will tell you what he said because I know I will not forget this moment." So, Jason or Andrew if you do read this, comment what he said! I would love to know. I finally got my pizza, said goodbye to my new Random acts of kindness givers and walked away. As I left I could see these huge smiles on their faces and could still hear them talking about this moment that changed their whole day.
      So today I was given a random act of pizza from my dad, Thanks dad! It was delicious. Then I gave a random act to Don. Finally, all 3 of us, Jason, Andrew, and I were greeted today with kindness and warmth in the midst of it all. To Jason and Andrew-thank you for making today that much better. I love random acts of kindness, but when I get to interact with people like you it makes it even better. You have helped me renew my energy for this month. I hope that you both participate with me! If you do, tell me about it, I would love to know!
      That goes for all of you! I hope you find this blog inspiring. I hope it makes you want to go out there and do something no matter how big or small for someone else. If you do, tell me about it! I would love to hear what you all are doing.

       

December 18-what about him?

     This morning I was asked to go out to brunch with a very dear friend and sister in Christ. I jumped at the chance since we are both so busy we very rarely get to spend quality time together. So we went to this cute little mom and pop restaurant that has the most amazing waffles. Now this friend of mine knows about my random acts of kindness and asked me what I was going to do today. I wasn't sure to be honest. It was still pretty early and I really had not thought about it. We continued through our meal talking, laughing, and having a good time. By the end of the meal she looked at me and pointed to a man sitting alone behind him. She said what about him? I smiled and nodded my head.
     When I walked up to the cashier to pay I asked the lady if I could pay for that gentleman's meal. She said yes, and left to get the bill. When she returned I paid the bill and both tips. She took care of the other people standing at the cash register. As my friend and I began to leave the waitress and the cashier walked over to the man and said "Someone paid your bill today." He said "wait, mine?" The women said "yes, did you know anyone in the restaurant?" He said no. The cashier said " Hmmmm, I guess someone just wanted to be nice. Merry Christmas."
       My friend and I left in great moods! The best part about this whole Random Acts of Kindness is the smile on the people's faces, whether it is the person I am being kind to or the "middle man". I'm so glad that I had the privilege to buy that man's lunch. His smile has been something I can't get out of my head.

December 17-Dear friend...

     Today I wrote a letter, well holiday card, to a friend and co-worker. She has been going through some family issues recently and just really been feeling down lately. I decided to send a letter to our job addressed to her. I wrote a card that simply said that in our encounters she has inspired me to be a better person and to keep her head up because God is always watching. He never gives us more than we an handle with him. I finished by saying that each day is a new gift to change something, and that everyday she changes the lies of children and adults just the same. I signed it love, a friend.
      While she has no idea that I wrote, it was awesome to watch her read it. She cried (which no one has seen her do in years). She said out loud right there in front of all of us, "God, I don't know who this is, but bless them." That blessing meant more to me than almost anything I have ever experienced. God lifted my spirit as he lifted hers today. I know her spirit will not be the same.

December 16-Remember you are loved

     Today I decided to send one of my mentors from high school flowers. My hometown is far away from where I live currently, but I had been thinking about her recently. This woman has been one of the most influential educators and mentors in my life. She has recently retired and so I decided to send her some holiday flowers. When I called to order the flowers the lady asked me what I wanted to say to her. Well that is a loaded question. If I saw her in person it would be so much. I owe her so much of the woman that I have become. I sat there silently to the point where the woman asked if I was still on the line. I said yes, stumbled for a few seconds on my words and finally came up with..."Thank you, remember you are loved. Merry Christmas."
     While these words seem to be so silly, it was all that I could come up with. Even though I didn't sign the card, I know that she will appreciate it. She has touched so many people's lives. Her legacy is one that will be remembered for decades at my former high school. So, thank you and Merry Christmas!  

December 15- What's your story?

       Today was a pretty quiet day. I was packing up getting ready to move buildings for a month at school. I decided that I had been sitting inside for too long and needed some fresh air. I did have one errand I was going to do tomorrow, but I decided to do it today. So I put on some presentable clothes and headed out to the craft store.
     When I arrived at the store I was on a mission. I thought to myself, okay just put your head down and get what you need and get out. I only needed one or two things and knew it wouldn't take me very long. I was in the paint aisle and say this little older lady trying to reach something from the top shelf. I stopped to ask if she needed help. She smiled softly and told me what she was trying to get, so I reached up to the top shelf to get it for her. When I placed it in her cart she and I made eye contact for the first time. In that moment she looked at me with sad eyes. What I noticed first was that she commented on my worn purple shirt. She said "my granddaughter used to have a shirt just like that." I smiled and said that purple was my favorite color. In that moment the woman began to cry. I apologized for saying something wrong, unaware of what I had said or done to upset her. The woman wiped away her tears, and told me that the paint I had just gotten from the top shelf for her was the last color she needed to complete a painting she was doing in her granddaughters memory. The woman began to tell me that her granddaughter was only 10 when she passed just a few months ago. She told me that no one really knew why she had died, but she just did. I couldn't help it but shed a tear as this woman shared her granddaughter's story with me. She told me that she lived alone, and most of her friends didn't know how to act around her. "I just needed someone to talk to." she said.
      By the end of our conversation nearly 30 minutes had passed. At the end I hugged the woman and told her that her granddaughter was looking down on her with a smile. She told me "I think she sent you here to me...I really needed this. Thank  you."
       I couldn't believe how strange this day was. Here I wanted to get in and get out. Today, however, God had a different plan for me. My one act of humanness to help this older woman turned into a moment that truly changed the outlook of her day. Through this woman and her granddaughter I began to look at my life a little differently. I think from now on I am going to go into situations with a more open mind. I'm so glad that I was open to helping her reach the top shelf.
 

December 14-Christmas Cany Cane?

Today I had a day full of awesome fun! My best friend and I went to see 2 concerts today! So, last night I was thinking what could I do while being so busy. Then I had it! My best friend and I spent the time walking between our concerts and the place our car was parked handing out candy canes. As we handed out candy canes we said Happy Holidays. Most people were so surprised but so happy to take it. Others told us no thanks. I really had not thought about people being skeptical about taking a candy cane. However, it was a blast! I loved including my best friend too. He said he had never really thought about doing anything like this before, but that he was going to start! It was almost just as much fun to get him hooked on Random Acts of Kindness than the act of actually doing it. I can't wait to get more people involved!

December 13-the next 10 people

Today I decided to go up to a local coffee shop. I chose a time when I thought that it wouldn't be super busy, mostly so I could be complete anonymous. I walked up to the counter and I asked the cashier what the average price was for a drink. The lady looked at me like I was strange, but then reluctantly told me the answer. I told her that I wanted to pay for the next 10 drinks. At first she looked at me like I was crazy, but then just smiled. She said that she had heard of people being kind to strangers but had never experienced it. She then said she was so excited to see that there are nice people in this area. I said that we exist everywhere! I paid her and left. This was one that I thought would  not mean as much. Not to say that I didn't think I would feel anything or feel like I was making a difference, but I just didn't expect it to affect me so much. I think that this was one of my favorite days because for the first time I would not see any of the people that I would affect. I actually really like this idea. It was fun because I could only use my imagination to see how people would react. This day really helped remind me why I decided to do this: to make people's day better by doing something little.

December 12-Get home safe

Today I realized that many students are beginning their journeys home, wherever that may be. As an upperclassman I decided to head to the first year parking area. I headed over in lots of layers, with a scrapper, and some Christmas music. I cleaned off about 25 cars. When I was there anytime a student would come to clean off their car and leave I would go over and help them. People were so surprised when they saw someone just standing out there helping them clean off their cars. It actually was a lot of fun. While most people will never know, I'm sure it was a great help and nice surprise to come to a car already cleaned off!

after

before

December 11....Awareness for a friend

I know that this post might reveal who I am, but I feel that it's worth it. Today I am heartbroken because I will truly never understand the workings of God.
     Orginally, I come from a small town in southwest Ohio, and moved to northeast Ohio for school. I love living in NE Ohio, but still feel very connected to my hometown because many friends and family still live there. While I have been away at school a young lady who goes by the name Corynna became ill and was eventually diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease. For those of you who do not know Mitochondrial Disease is: the "failure of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the body except red blood cells. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. When they fail, less and less energy is generated within the cell. Cell injury and even cell death follow. If this process is repeated throughout the body, whole systems begin to fail, and the life of the person in whom this is happening is severely compromised" (United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation).
     Corynna was an incredible person. She did not let this disease define who she was, but instead embraced it to help raise awareness about this horrible disease. In one interview that she did around Thanksgiving she said : Mitochondrial Disease kills a lot of kids, but nobody knows about it, and I have a huge problem with that."She took this to an all time high. My hometown came together like i have never seen for this young woman. Local businesses donated time and money to add an addition to the families home to allow Corynna to be around her family, a Christmas parade was put on outside her window a few weeks ago so she could celebrate Christmas, the list goes on and on. One in particular that struck me was a local T-shirt company who created shirts for the public to buy, and all the proceeds would go to an organization of Corynna's choice. As of late, this total reaches upwards of $5,000! Corynna's goal was for our town to raise $10,000 to donate towards research to help fight and end this horrible disease.  I have no doubt that this will happen. I have never been prouder to call this place my home.
       I have known Corynna for many years. I actually helped teach her dance (and watched her compete) when she was younger. She had this infectious smile that would just light up the room when she walked in. She moved to a different night of dance and her smile left with her. Then I graduated and moved away for school. Years had passed, and I heard of her illness through friends, family, etc. This past summer, however, I went home to help my former dance teacher with her annual dance review. One night I walked into the high school girls dressing room, and who was there...Corynna! She recognized me right away, hugged me and asked how I had been. It blew me away to see that at first all I could see what her illness, but when she began to speak all I could see was her. There it was again, that infectious smile. That smile is something that stuck with her always.
     Unfortunately, Corynna took her last breath this morning (December 11,2013). In the end Corynna instructed her family to her followers on the Facebook page "Courage for Corynna" this: "I won my battle with Mitochondrial Disease. I went home. Earth is our temporary home and God let's our family have us for a while". What an incredible young woman. I know she has touched and changed the hearts of many while she was here on this Earth, but I know that she will touch so many more even now. 
       So, today my random act of kindness is for Corynna. Today I made a donation to the same organization that Corynna's money will go to. She wanted to help end Mitochondrial Disease, and so do I. Today, Corynna, my random act of kindness was done in your memory so that one day another incredible child will be able to live. RIP Corynna.


If you want to learn more about Mitochondrial Disease or make a donation in Corynna's memory you can visit the website below. 
http://www.umdf.org/site/pp.aspx?c=8qKOJ0MvF7LUG&b=7929671

If you want to read about Corynna's story you can also visit this website. Corynna's main goal was to spread awareness of this terrible disease, so please, go and read about it. I know that as a community we can help end Mitochondrial Disease.
https://www.facebook.com/CourgeforCorynna

Mitochondrial disease kills a lot of kids, but nobody knows about it, and I have a huge problem with that," - See more at: http://www.whio.com/news/news/local/girl-16-greenville-passes-away-incurable-disease/ncHyY/#sthash.gl6nUAEw.dpuf

Mitochondrial disease kills a lot of kids, but nobody knows about it, and I have a huge problem with that," - See more at: http://www.whio.com/news/news/local/girl-16-greenville-passes-away-incurable-disease/ncHyY/#sthash.gl6nUAEw.dpuf

Mitochondrial disease kills a lot of kids, but nobody knows about it, and I have a huge problem with that," - See more at: http://www.whio.com/news/news/local/girl-16-greenville-passes-away-incurable-disease/ncHyY/#sthash.gl6nUAEw.dpuf

Decmeber 10-Thank you (mall style)

Today I went to the mall to do some shopping. Now I have worked in retail before, and it is a crazy job to have-especially during the holidays. So, when I was all finished with my shopping I took my bags to the car, got it and almost started my car. However, I realized that I had not done my random act for the day and decided that this was it. I got back out of my car and marched back into the mall. I started with Dillards...I walked around the store and thanked every employee. I did this to EVERY store in the mall. I walked into over 120 stores to say thank you. this was no small task, but I did it.
     It was so cool to see the looks on people's faces when I walked up to them and simply said thank you. Most of them didn't know what to say or how to even react. One old man looked at me and shed a tear. He said not a single person had said hello, thank you, please, or anything to him all day. I honestly had to fight back a tear at this moment. This sweet old man who was working so hard to make our shopping lives easier had not had one nice word said to him. So I said Merry Christmas, hugged him and left.
      I'm so glad that I did this random act. I know that I had at first thought to myself that there was no way that I could do it all in a little over 2 hours before the mall closed. However, I did do it! I knew I had to do it. I just tried to imagine how I would have felt if I would have received that simple thank you while I was working during the holidays.  So remember, for those of you reading this, thank the people who are working so hard to make this shopping season the best it can be for you. 

December 9-no I got it

     Well, I told myself at the beginning of this journey that I would try not to do the same random act over and over again. However, as I have been put in situations were a random act could make all the difference I have almost always elected to take it.
    So, today I was in line to check out in my local union. this girl in front of me was paying for her meal, except that she didn't have enough on her card to pay for it. She was searching in her bag to see if she had any extra change to pay for the meal. As I walked up I noticed this. I put my stuff down next to hers and said "no, I got it." She looked at me and wasn't sure what to do. I handed her her food and said "Merry Christmas!" she still looked quite confused, but took the food and said thank you. As I was paying the cashier looked at me and asked if I knew her. I smailed and said no, it was just the right thing to do. The cashier smiled and took my money. I told her Merry Christmas and good luck with Finals (she was a student too). She smiled and I walked away.
      I know I said that I woudln't do the same thign over and over again, but isn't a ranodm act still a random act even if you do it over and over again? I would have to say yes. Even though it's the same act, the person is different everytime, the circumstance is different, and the day of a person is still changed for the better. I loved this day of random acts because I learned something. I learned to have a more open mind. I guess I was so caught up in doing a different random act everyday that I forgot that it is still a different random act even if the act is the same. So, that nice girl that I helped today, thank you.   

December 7 & 8-need a jump?

       Wow, first of all I apologize for my tardiness. This week has been fianals week for me and it has been very hard to find time to not only do my random act, but also write abut them. So, now that finals are all over for me I'm going to tell you about the last few days.
        I believe in a very big God! And during these last few days I asked him to put me in the right place at the right time for my random act. Well, he has most certainly done that!
        On December 7th, I was walking to my car in a parking lot where there were only 2 cars. As I go to get in my car I see this man. I was in a hurry, but as he began to walk up to me I stopped. He asked me if I could give him a jump. He began to tell me that he was starting a new job today and was giong to be late. He said he had been waiting outside for Tripple A for almost an hour and didn't want to lose the oppotunity of this new job. Even though I was busy and could possibly be late myself I knew I had to help him out. I of ourse said sure! It took a while (I mean his car was REALLLLY dead), but eventually we got his car going. He was so excited, he tried to pay me for my "wasted" time when I helped him. I said no thanks and refused to take the money. I simply said, Merry Christmas instead! It was a great feeling to see him get in his car and ride away.
           Similarly on December 8th, I was in my local union parking lot where another student was trying to get home. Again, I was sort of already late for a meeting but I stopped and gave him a jump too. He was a lot less emotional. Except it is finals week so he was pretty stressed. Once his car was running again he hoped in and left. He didn't say thank you or anything, but that was fine by me. I was just glad that I could help him get rid of a stressful event. I know finals can get the best of people, and I'm just glad that I was there to help him out.  

December 6-dinner dinner

Today was a busy day! Finals are starting to get really busy but I wanted to make sure that I found time to do my random act. Tonight I went to my school's union to grab some dinner. As soon as I walked in I saw two of my friends who I had not seen in nearly month simply because we are all so busy. One of them I am actually going on an alternative break trip with. While the three of us were walking through the food area I heard them singing the same song as many people: no money. So when it came time buying our dinner I walked up in front of them and told the lady "I want to get their meals too." I have some extra money on my account and the semester is nearly over. They both looked at me and said "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" I just smiled and said Merry Christmas. There were so grateful. As I began to walk away, I could here them telling their group of friends what just happened. One of them even said "I'm going to pay it forward...not sure how or when but I'm going to". What an awesome testament to my friends, classmates, and mankind in general. I did not tell them what I was doing or why I bought their dinner, but they wanted to pay it forward anyway. I'm so honored to call those two men my friends. This one act gives me hope that others are also paying it forward. I only hope that its not just people who I am kind towards who pay it forward, but also the people that they tell their story to that  will be kind in return. So, do something random today! Make someone else's day, you never know when it can change their whole outlook!

December 5-stay warm

Today I left work and still had not done my random act for the day. As I was driving down the road towards the highway I got stopped at a light. When I looked over to my right there was a girl who I recognized from one of the soup kitchens that I volunteer at on a weekly basis. I pulled over and began to talk to her. I noticed she didn't have a coat on. It is beginning to snow and this 16 year old is sitting outside without a coat on. As she and I were talking I began to think about all the times I have seen her, and I realized I had never seen her wear a coat. As our conversation came to an end, I took off my hoodie (one I had from High School) and handed it to her. At first she looked at me like I was crazy. When I told her to take it she tried to give it back saying "no, I can't..." I said sure you can. She looked at me with sad eyes and smiled. I told her Merry Christmas and God Bless and pulled away. As I drove away I could see her put on her new hoodie and snuggle up to it like it was a plush down comforter. What a great act, to see her warm and smile for one of the few times I have ever seen. That hoodie had treated me well for many years, but now it can treat her even better.

December 4-a note to say thanks

    As a college student I am getting extremely busy with finals coming up next week. However I still wanted to make sure that I did my random act today. Today I decided to write a thank you note on a mass scale. I wrote a mass thank you note to teachers in my area. I know, as a future educator, that many people overlook complimenting educators. Teachers have an incredibly difficult task of shaping our future.
    So, today I created a thank you note and delivered it to a local school district. I simply walked into the office and stood there waiting to hand the secretary these little notes. At first she was very confused as to why I was handing her all of these little papers. Then I told her that I wanted to thank the teachers for all of their hard work. She got a huge smile on her face and before I could even ask her to put the thank you notes in their mailboxes, she jumped in and said "I'll put them in their boxes so they get them ASAP!"
    While I didn't see any instant gratification necessarily it was awesome to just hand those notes over to the secretary. I know that at least one teacher smiled and was rejuvenated today because of that note. I just hope that those teachers remember that note everyday because it's true. While this act was simple, it was probably one of my favorite days of random acts. I think it was one of my favorites because I know how difficult it can be to stay motivated when you are facing so many obstacles. I'm definitely going to do more random acts like this.
      What have you done? Tell me about your random acts if you have done any. If you haven't done any random acts I encourage you to try it!

December 3-Cup of Coffee?

WOW!! What a day. To be honest my started a little bit down today, but I knew the minute I found my act I would instantly have a better day. Luckily I didn't have to wait too long.
    I was on my way to drop of a cookie donation near down town when I saw it, my random act. The street I was driving down has always had pot holes, cracked side walks, and a million people on them. Today though, there were 8 extra men...construction workers. It was only about 40 degrees outside and they were replacing sidewalks and electric poles. While I have never worked construction I know how frustrated I can get with them sometimes. So I traveled an extra block down the road and bought 8 large coffees.
    Okay, I have to pause here for a moment. When I walked into this little café I asked the women behind the counter "Do you sell coffee to go?" They laughed and said yes. I asked how much it was, and $2 a large coffee didn't seem bad so I said, "I'll take 8 please." The women looked at me in disbelief and said okay. One of the women said "Do you want cream and all that." I wasn't really sure because I do not drink caffeine and especially coffee. When I told the women that they said "then why are you getting it?" I explained my month of random acts and who I was buying the coffee for. They called out all the other employees and made me tell it again. One woman said " I can't believe that, how awesome!" When I went to pay the woman said "$8 please." I looked at her a little strange; she smiled and said " My random act of kindness to you my dear." I paid the woman, thanked her over and over again, and walked out. It was so awesome to experience.
    Back to the men....I drove back the couple of blocks to the construction workers, parked my car and walk towards them-hot coffee in hand. As I walked towards the men one said "COFFFFEEEEE!" in a joking way. I smiled, laughed a little, and said " Well, actually yes!" The men stopped. They all turned and looked at me. I walked up to them and said "I just wanted to thank you for all that you do. I could never imagine how hard you all work with little appreciation. So I wanted to say thanks." The men looked at me in disbelief. They all smiled, began to laugh and one even said "Are you serious?" I giggled and replied yes. The 8 construction workers all walked over and took their coffee, cream, and sugar. When the last man took his coffee he looked at me and said, "You know, we get yelled at all day for being in people's way. This is like Christmas. Thank you. I won't forget to pray for you." I thanked him for his kind words and stood there for nearly 15 minutes just talking, hearing their stories about their jobs, life, anything. They were great company. As I walked away I could hear them all yelling thank you and saying how they couldn't believe what just happened. I had to drive past them one last time. As I drove by they were all dancing little dances and "clinking" their coffee cups.
     I will never take for granted the sidewalk under my feet again. Those men were not only hilarious, but hard working men. I know when I am driving or in a hurry the men and women who are working construction can be a pain. However, from today forward I will look at them all a little different. I will be more patient with them and the job that they have to do. So, Thank you! Thank you for all of your hard work. Tonight that last worker said he would not forget to pray for me, but tonight it is I who will not forget to pray for them.

December 2-help to stay warm

       Today was a great day!  I work in one of the largest homeless populated areas of Cleveland. It is heart breaking to see so many people working so hard to make a better life for themselves. So, I decided to spread some warmth to them today. I purchased about 20 hats and gloves to hand out before I began work this afternoon. As I walked around the meal window asking the people who stood there if they needed a new hat and gloves I was shocked by the responses. One man who was clearly freezing said "Thanks sweetie, but that guy needs it more than I do" (pointing to a much younger man). Another man said "What do you want in return?" I said "nothing." and all he could say was wow. I could not believe the generosity and community of the people who I walk past every day.
      I think the one man that surprised me most was this man who appeared to be in his 40's. He had the saddest eyes. I asked him if he wanted a new hat and gloves and he began to cry. As he took them he told me a story. He told me that he worked for the same company for nearly 20 years, and lost his job about a month ago. He then told me that the day he lost his job, his wife died. I couldn't help but shed a tear. He then told me that all of his savings had gone to her hospital bills and he officially became homeless one week ago. He then thanked me and said "God puts people like you on this Earth everyday, but only a few follow his call. I am so grateful for your life. I know he will protect you, God Bless." I couldn't believe it. This man was thankful for my life; when I was so thankful for his. This, this moment is what it is all about, helping a fellow human, brother of Christ. This is why I am doing this month of service.
       One last story to share. I had one last pair of hat and gloves to give out and had to go to work. So I saved them. On my way home I drove past a woman kneeling in a corner on the sidewalk. I pulled over and got out. As I walked over to her she almost seemed afraid of me. I held out my hand and said, do you need a hat and some gloves? She looked at me and simply shook her head. I handed them to her, simply said God Bless and walked away. She reached out and touched my arm. She whispered "I don't want to be greedy but I'm so hungry..." I walked back to my car and grabbed the sack lunch I had packed but didn't have time to eat. She looked at the lunch-to me-back to the lunch- and one final time at me. She simply said Thanks and began to eat that sack lunch.
       Today was a day of great reflection. I'm not going to lie, I buy a new hat and gloves to match the new coat I needed to buy this year. My gloves and hat were something that I took for granted. I now will never take them for granted again. Acts 20:35 says:"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." Today I was reminded of this. While I knew that I would receive blessings while blessing others, I had no idea the joy I would receive today from the incredible people that I see everyday. I know that starting from today I will make a better effort to see the people who visit my job, talk to them, help them in as many ways as possible. I am moving and shaping into a new person everyday. I know that God is choosing my places of Random Acts, and I cannot wait to see where he sends me next.

December 1-a meal from me

      Well, it's here! My first day of a month of Random Acts of Kindness. Today has been a day of travel for me as I'm sure it is for many people. Coming home from the holidays can be really stressful. So, I stopped at a Chipotle on my way to stop for a late lunch. There weren't a ton of people there, but there were a few people behind me. As I began to order I couldn't help but overhear the young woman next to me (who looked to be about my age) telling her mother she didn't want to go back to school because she wanted to stay at home to be with her after what happened. That was all I needed to hear. I went to pay for my meal and quietly told the cashier I wanted to pay for the girl behind me as well. At first the cashier looked at me a little strange because we were obviously not together. I said again that I wanted to pay for her. I paid and began to walk away. The cashier handed the woman her meal and said "That lady just paid for you". The young woman looked at me and I simply said Merry Christmas. The smile on her face was priceless as she said thank you.
    I could hear her telling her mother what had just happened as I walked out the door. We met once again as we just happened to park next to each other. Her mother simply looked at me and said "It's so nice to know that there are kind people in the world." I smiled and thanked her for the kind words and again said Merry Christmas.
    While this act was simple, it has made me so excited for the rest of the month!

It starts today...

        Kindness by definition is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate (Webster). To me kindness is a part of mankind, something we all should do everyday. Now, I will be the first to admit that I do not always think consciously about being kind to someone everyday. When I say that I mean going out of my way to be kind to someone who I may not know. That is something I want to change, and I'm going to change starting today.
       As someone who has dedicated parts of my life to doing service with organized groups and visits on a regular basis, I realized that while I love doing this work not every person on Earth necessarily benefits from it. Kindness though, everyone can receive and deserves to be given it on a regular basis. But how? How does one make a point to spread kindness daily, and to people they don't know for that matter?
       That is where my life style change comes in. I have decided to do a few things starting today. First, I am going to make a conscious effort everyday to do something for someone else. This could be anything-hold open a door, hang up someone's coat, reach something off the top shelf for someone-literally anything regardless of whether I know them or not. Now I know what you're thinking...this is something I should be doing as a human to begin with. For the record, I do...it's the right thing to do. However, some days we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and we forget. THAT is the part I want to change. Second, I am going to dedicate one day month to doing nothing but Random Acts of Kindness. Again, this can be anything- hand out flowers, buy someone's coffee, etc.-and again regardless of whether or not I know them. Finally, I have decided to kick this life style change off with a month of Random Acts of Kindness. Starting on December 1st, 2013 I will do one Random Act of Kindness a day. These will be all kinds, in all places, for all people, anything I see that I think I can help with.
       My hope through this blog is that others will see this and join me. I'm not writing this blog for recognition, glory, fame, etc. but instead I'm writing to encourage others to be kind. Be kind to one another, but more importantly to be kind to a stranger.
      Mother Teresa once said “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” I can't feed a hundred people, but I CAN feed one. I can't save everyone, but I CAN help one person at time. I can't change the world alone, but I CAN change it with your help.
       My Random Acts of Kindness start today. Today I make a promise to brighten one person's day everyday for the next month. I promise to start these acts today, but continue for many years to come. Starting December 1, check back to see what I did. I'm going to tell you everyday my Random Act of Kindness. If you have any ideas please let me know!

 Happy Holidays!