Payin' It Forward

It all started when my alarm didn't go off...I was thankful for the neighbor's yappy little weiner dog because he woke us up at 7:15!  The kids all slept in too and as a result it was more hectic than usual getting them dressed, fed, teeth brushed, and getting them out the door to school.  But, I was super mom that morning and we were doing great...even getting into the van earlier than normal.  And then it all came crashing down.  Someone didn't close their van door all the way the night before, which mean the interior lights were on ALL night...can you see where I'm going with this?  Yep! Dead van.  Argh!  Actually I mumbled a few other choice words under my breath (the kids were right there and I had to be somewhat of a good example...if they hadn't been there I probably would have had a fit!).  Ok...think fast!  Called the school to tell them we were running late and then called Kevin with my fingers crossed that he wasn't busy on a call and could come home to help me out.  Yahoo!  He wasn't busy and said he would be right home.

So he got to the house in about 5 minutes (he must have been close!) and backed into the driveway.  Then, using super human strength, we I pushed the van out of the garage (while he steered) so that the cables could reach between his police car and the van.  Why is the battery always on the wrong side in these situations?!?  Success...van boosted, Kevin raced off  and I got the kids to school only 10 minutes late (I won't get into the stuff I had to take to the school after I dropped them off because it was forgotten in the rush to get out of the house).

So, I was grumping because the day started so crappy and I decided that I deserved a Chai Latte from Starbucks to make my day a little better.  I had errands to run anyway and we were going right past Starbucks, so why not?  There was a long line in the drive through, but it was cold and I didn't want to go in, so I waited.  And guess what happened when I got to the window?  The person ahead of me (a total stranger) PAID FOR MY CHAI  LATTE!!!!!  I was floored!  I've NEVER had that happen before and boy did it make my mood better in a hurry.  In fact, I still smile when I think about it.  That total stranger absolutely made my day...and my week!  That total stranger renewed my faith in people (after the rudeness I've experienced in the stores lately).  A simple little random act of kindness had a huge effect on me...more of an effect than I thought it could.  Which got me thinking.  The essence of Stampin' Up! is touching people's lives through creativity.  An unexpected little note to someone or a sweet handmade card has the power to "lift a spirit, brighten a day, lift a load and remind someone that they are loved" (that's a Shelli quote!).  Cards and especially hand made cards, are not just little pieces of paper, they tell someone that you care about them and they can really pack a punch!  So, I've decided that in the new year, I'm going to send out more cards, especially thank you cards, to let people know that I appreciate them and care about them.

Now that you've read through all of that, I'm going to share a card...a thank you card!  This is for the person who paid for my order the other day.  You're probably not reading this, but on the off chance that you are, thank you.  I appreciate your kindness.

And, I've already paid it forward.  I didn't pay for someone's order in a drive through, but I did plug the parking meter for the person next to me at City Hall the other day.  Their time was up...and it sucks to get a parking ticket (especially at Christmas), so I helped them out.

Do something kind for someone today!  You never know the impact it will have on them.

Have an inspired day!