Today I decided to travel to a different mall and do what would turn out to be some of my favorite days of random acts of kindness. I went to the mall during lunch and decided to sit in the food court and let God work through me.
I sat in the food court for almost a half hour before I finally chose my family. I saw this woman and her husband with their three small children in line at a subway. This family was so kind, letting an older woman in front of their very hungry and whiny kids so she would not have to stand longer. I knew then that this family would be it. As they were all ordering, I walked up to the cashier and explained what I wanted to do. I was also very explicit that I wanted to do this anonymously. I handed her the money and said I would sit at a certain table so that if there was change or she needed more that I would do it when the family had left. She smiled and didn't say much to me, and I turned around to walk back to the table. I sat in awe as this family came up to pay. The man began to hand the woman money when she said that someone had paid for the family's meal. The wife was not aware of what was going on right away. The man began to ask questions, and that is when his wife turned to ask what was going on. The cashier said that someone had anonymously paid for their meal and to have a Merry Christmas. The woman stood a little taller, covered her mouth, and began to cry. Even though I was sitting a little ways away I heard her say "Why us?" It took all mu energy not to run up and give her a hug and simply say because we all deserve it. Instead I sat back and watched the woman hug her husband, her children, and shake the cashier's hand. The wife said "Make sure you shake their hand for me." I could not help it but shed a tear. As the family walked to find a seat they began telling other total strangers what miracle had just happened to them. She sat her children down and gave them their lunches, and embraced with her husband one last time before joining their children. I then watched them, with many other people in the food court by this time, pray over their meal. I again could not help but cry. This incredible family was not only grateful beyond words for what had just happened to them, but also explained to their children what happened and prayed for that incredible stranger as they prayed in undying love to their heavenly father. This family showed me how humble people can truly be. This family will forever stick in my memory.
I usually just do one a day, however, that last family put me in the giving mood. So I decided to sit for a little while longer and do it again. This time I did it to a woman with two children. She too began to cry as the cashier told her that someone had paid for their meal. This woman also asked who it was. When the cashier said they wanted to remain anonymous the woman turned around and tried to look for someone who she thought would have done this. The thing that got to me this time was her children. Her children were just a little bit older than the other family. Her children could understand what was happening. As their mother was frantically looking for someone to thank, her children took a much easier approach. They simply turned around and yelled "THANK YOU!" to the whole food court. Many people stopped and looked, and the mother joined in and said yes thank you. Again, I was so humbled by this encounter. I had no idea that today would be so emotional or so inspiring. These two families gave me a renewed strength in Random Acts of Kindness.
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