As I write this, tears are rolling down my cheeks, but not because I’m sad—it’s because I’m happy.
This afternoon, I was at Coles in The Gap, getting groceries for dinner. My 4-year-old daughter, Chloe, and I were standing in line when I saw an older man ahead of us. For some reason, I asked him if I could pay for his groceries. I like to do random acts of kindness every week, and today I wanted to buy his groceries. He thanked me and told me he was 89 years old and doing okay. He shared that his wife passed away last year, and he also lost four other family members. He thanked me for my kindness but said he really wanted to pay for his own groceries. He then said, “Most times I’m the one taking care of everyone. Thank you.”
While he was talking, the line behind me started to grow, but the cashier was so patient and kind. She didn’t rush him, and I really want to give her a huge shout-out.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Chloe and I always stop by the flowers when we go shopping. We admire the colors, smell the flowers, and talk about what crafts we can make with them. It’s our special time together, and I hope it’s something she’ll remember.
While we were looking at the flowers, a woman named Danielle tapped me on the shoulder. She said, “I overheard what you said to that man, and I’d like to buy you flowers because the world needs good people like you. Please pick any flowers you’d like.” Chloe chose a beautiful bouquet with orange, purple, and blue flowers, and it was one of the more expensive bunches (sorry, Danielle!).
I’m sharing this story because after feeling so sad about the tragedy in Barcelona yesterday, my heart was heavy. But I want to show my kids that there is still good in the world. Not everyone is bad. No matter what happens as they grow up, they need to be kind—kind to their partner, family, friends, and to the world in general.
So today, tomorrow, or whenever you feel it in your heart, do something nice for someone. Pay for someone’s lunch, smile at strangers, buy a coffee, say hello to someone. Whatever you do, it will make the world a better place.
With love from Brisbane, Australia,
Angela
Credit: Finlee and Me