Today, while running errands, I stopped at the government agency to renew my driver's license. As the clerk behind the counter typed in my information, I couldn't help overhearing a young girl talking on the phone. She was devastated because although she had passed her driver's test, her bankcard had been denied for the $10 needed to complete the transaction due to insufficient funds. She would have to retake the test again at another time if she did not pay the fee before leaving the building. As I eavesdropped, I finished up my business in the office and asked the clerk for change for $20. Pausing as I left, I handed the girl the $10 she needed and smiled at her. "I think you need this", I said and left. She stared at me and managed to yell out, "Thank you!" as the door swung shut behind me.
This encounter left me feeling wonderful. I grinned at all the other pedestrians as I return to my car. I nearly skipped! I felt good....Better than good. I felt elated.
Later, as I paid for the kid's swimming lessons, a small girl came up to the counter beside me to pay for some time in the pool. Her grandmother had dropped her off with $1 to cover the charge. The woman behind the counter tried to explain to this little girl that use of the swimming pool cost much more and that she wouldn't be allowed to swim today. I couldn't help it. I can't really financially afford too many acts of....'good karma', but to watch this little one look back at the woman with confusion and disappointment on her little face was too much. I handed over the money, smiled at the little girl and left.
Again, I felt a rush of happiness and contentment. I hoped that not only had these two small acts helped those who needed it, but it would remind others who had heard these exchanges that small, seemingly insignificant acts can mean so much. Not only to the recipients, but to the givers as well.
Upon my arrival at home, I switched on my computer and was awed to find that one of you wonderful readers, Janet, had sent $10 to my account. $10. Exactly what I had given to the girl at the government agent.
It probably means nothing. It is most likely just a coincidence....But it felt so wonderful to entertain the idea that...maybe there is more. Maybe Karma is real. Maybe it is a message that kindness and empathy are the way to a balanced life.
Thank you, Janet. Thank you for your generosity and thank you so very much for the hope that you have refreshed in my heart.
17 comments:
I don't know if Karma is real, but paying it forward sure is.
Thanks for making the world a better part, in the midst of what is a crummy and hard week for you. That takes real courage.
Ah yes, I unquestionably believe that kindness and empathy are the way to a balanced life of peace and contentment. What a wonderful thing (two things, actually) you did today! "And thus the giver is blessed" or something like that. Thank you for sharing -- I am reminded to be on the lookout for opportunities to act with kindness and empathy in my daily life.
I don't know you, and frankly, I don't know how I found your blog. But just now, when I read this post. I started to bawl. The world would be such a better place if people would do those simple acts of kindess you did. It seems when you give to someone else, you get more from it that the person you gave to. Oh, what an awesome post. Yes. What an example you are.
Thank you for this post, it has helped me feel better today.
I am a TOTAL believer in karma...so much so that I wanted to be sure we had good karma in our lives all the time so we named our dog Karma....Thumbs up to you!
Okay.....tears in eyes as I write this....because I too have experienced what you explain here in your blog. Jackie, I truly think there is more, and small kindnesses make a difference in the world. We are all connected in some way and making a difference in small ways, even a tiny thing every day, adds up to a big difference in the world. I want to thank you for making a difference in the lives of two people because if everyone worked together this way the world would be a happier place. I am glad your good deeds brought a smile to your face and the faces of others, and made you feel good deep down in your soul. Thanks for sharing your words and thoughts and I will head out of my office during my lunch hour and see if anyone needs my help today : )
Jackie -
I ABSOLUTELY believe in Karma! I also think that random acts of kindness are good examples for your children. I once gave a small child the change he needed to buy something at a convenience store and that small act let such an impression with my daughter that she included that story in her college application essay.
I think such acts of kindness leave everyone involved feeling good -- those you gave the money to feel good, you felt good, and I would bet that anyone who witness your kindness felt good too!
What goes around, comes around.
Your wonderful good karma paid off in the short term, and will in the long term too.
Just stumbled on your blog, may have been here once before - off to read more!
Of course there are no coincidences. A lovely post and a good reminder of the power of little kindnesses.
You're a good one, Jacks.
But we already knew that...;) XXxx.
You, Jackie, you are good people.
I feel blessed to "know" you.
I absolutely think what you did today was part of what we were put here to do. It's such a shame so many people miss out on such opportunities to show the world a little compassion & humanity. The giver receives so much more than the recipient when the right intent is there.
What a wonderful story. I love it.
Nancy
Great story. That's what giving is all about. Well done to you!
karma is so so so so so so real.
i believe. i love this story. simply perfect for a day that gave you so much joy!
This post gives me GOOSEBUMPS! Talk about awesome! I believe what comes around goes around and you Jackie, made the world a much much better place for others today. I can only hope that they too will pay it forward...what an inspiration!
Beautiful story!
You are such an awesome girl.
xoxo!!
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