Never too small

You've all heard of Pay it Forward.  The idea that someone does something nice for you and you in turn do something nice for someone else.  I also call it being a good human.  Common courtesy.  Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.  The Golden Rule.  Random acts of kindness.  There's lots of ways to be kind to others and do the right thing.

So, last night Austin (6) tells Mark a story.  He's telling his Papa how a long time ago, Mama saw some people who were sad when we were at Old Mac Donalds.  (Yes.  They call McDonalds, OLD Mac Donalds)   He realized that I knew these people were hungry so I went back and got them food and gave it to them.  It was a lot longer than these few sentences, but you get the idea.

Mark told me then about the story.  I was amazed!  Yes.  Over a year ago, I did see a family of a Mom, Dad, and child around 2 years old, sitting outside of a McDonald's in the driveway area who had a sign saying they were hungry and homeless.  I had been seeing them for days.  I saw someone give the man some money.  Probably $1.  And he was SO grateful and profusely thanking the giver.  I went back through the drive through and got two small combos and some of the kids coupons they had for kids items.  I spent around $15 probably.  I gave it to them as I timed my stop at the light so that I could have time to do it safely.  That was it.  Just a small act of kindness for a family in need.   

And my then 5 year old, remembers it over a year later!  He never spoke of it that day, that week, month.  Nothing.  But over a year later, he remembers me being kind to someone and helping them out. 

I don't know what sparked this memory for him.  Maybe it's because we just donated some gifts to an adopted family through the Knights of Columbus that Mark belongs to.  The kids helped me pick out the clothing for the children and watched as I wrapped them up and they were with us when we dropped them off. 

Maybe it's our discussions that have been sparked through our Advent Unit we are working on with homeschooling on doing good to others and being kind overall. 

I just know that that was a very small act of kindness that has not been forgotten by my son and I plan on trying to place more memories of kindness into his mind and heart as he grows.  No act of kindness is ever too small.  Opening the door for someone is never too small of an act.  Giving someone a smile in the store is never too small.  Giving of any amount of time or money is never too small.  Even if it's just a few coins from your pocket or purse.  It's never too small of an act of kindness.  Please pass it on in your daily life!