25 Days of Giving: Day 13

When you’re on the road, giving can be even more fun, because you never know when the opportunity will present itself.  Driving through the New Jersey Turnpike last night on our way to Washington, DC the girls were practicing their Christmas carols for the church pageant. They were singing of angels, bells and a snowman, and then the singing stops abruptly. “We’re hungry” and “When are we stopping?” begins. They had been snacking since we got in the car 4 ½ hours ago, so I know it wasn’t real hunger, but even I was ready to stop and stretch our legs. 

Pulling into the Thomas Edison Rest Stop along with the rest of the drivers on the road, my husband informs us this will be a quick stop, as it is getting late and we have about 2 ½ hours left to go. We park and go inside.  Miraculously the line at Burger King is short and as we stand there ordering our plain burgers and fries, I actually contemplate picking up a side salad and fruit. But who am I kidding? We are on the road and french fries don't’ count right? Anyhow…. as we are standing there, my oldest gets a silly grin on her face, and says “Mom, I’m going to wish the man (behind the counter serving burgers) a Happy Holiday.” Not my bold one, she is definitely stepping outside of her comfort zone here. I smile and encourage her, as her smile gets bigger and bigger. She cannot wait.

“Happy Holidays!” she exclaims as we go through the line. He smiles back and wishes the same. She is so happy she made him smile, she continues to do the same with the lady at the cash register, and the man emptying the trash. Before you know it, the little one is spreading good tidings, as well, and the smiles at Burger King are contagious.

 Conscious of the time, we eat quickly, the girls still beaming. I realize then that all of the activities we have arranged this month, toys bought and delivered, cards mailed, and food collected is wonderful and giving back to others, but that a kind word is giving too. Every morning as I kiss the girls before they run off to school, I say “Be kind to everyone”. It’s sort of become our mantra. Morning after morning for the last five years a kiss and “Be Kind” and they are off. My oldest daughter is used to this. My little one asked me recently why I say this every morning, when she IS kind. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to be reminded, I tell her. Especially to those who may not always be kind to you. They need your kindness even more, because they could be having a bad day, I explain.

So it’s wonderful to see this kindness in action. A gift of giving can be something as simple as a smile or a kind word to a stranger. Someone who may be having a hard day. Someone who may have received some sad news. Or someone who just needs an extra smile. Or a kind word to the man behind the burger counter.

How to Give Back:  Be kind, smile at a stranger, make time for someone. I think it’s easier said then done. Especially during this crazy time of the year, when we are running around buying presents and rushing off to school events. To stop and just take a moment, and be kind doesn’t cost a thing. Happy Holidays everyone!