Random Act of Kindness
Random acts of kindness remind us of the good in people that often times are overshadowed by life’s disappointments and setbacks. Act of kindness such as opening a door for a stranger, sending a “get well” card to a good friend or allowing a car to merge into your lane are small but important gestures that build relationships and make our society stronger.
Acts of kindness can happen just about anywhere at anytime. They happen when someone chooses to “leave themselves” and gives “of themselves” to someone else.
Take for example Steamin Bean coffee shop located in Blue Springs, Missouri. On July 6, 2009, a drive-through customer ordered a cup of coffee. As she was paying for her coffee, she offered to pay for the next customer’s coffee as well. In a few minutes, another customer came to the store and ordered a cup of coffee. When told that the cup of coffee would be free – paid by another customer – he said he would do the same. The tradition has continued to this day. As of the date of this story, the Steamin Bean has served over 6,232 “pay it forward” cups of coffee
Owner Garin Bledsoe says no one, it seems, wants to break the chain of good deeds.
“It’s hard times, but people are wanting to be part of something, knowing their five cents, their dollar goes to a greater good,” said Bledsoe. “They may not be able to change the economy, but they can change one person a day by doing a simple little gesture.”[i]
Just imagine the impact of those 6,232 customers — an unbroken chain of kindness. The cup of coffee provided a jumped start their physical bodies but emboldened their hearts in ways we can only imagine. In fact, the “pay it forward” policy has been adopted by other businesses in Blue Springs.
What act of kindness can you or I start today?
