Since we started the Franklin Makeover a number of weeks ago, I’ve noticed something interesting. No matter what quality I’m looking for or working on any particular week, I’m more acutely aware of “Kindness” than an other. I’m guessing that’s because of the collective force of hundreds of us, across the globe, all working on Kindness together the second week.
I have a great friend who manages a local hotel. After a virus ravaged her staff this last month, leaving her to pick up front-desk shifts day and night, sometimes double shifts –
one lady texted her and quit yesterday. So,
instead of the morning walk to the coffee shop and back as we had planned this morning, she was back at work at 7 a.m. covering yet another shift.
Because she had worked day and night last weekend with only a few hours sleep, my intention this morning was to go to the local QuikTrip, get some gas, 
grab two cups of the best convenience store coffee ever, and her favorite — an apple fritter. Thus, the IAK (Intentional act of Kindness) for which I knew I would make her day, and take away a warm-fuzzy feeling for myself.
While I was paying in one of four busy cashier lines, my attention was focused on my wallet selecting the bills I would use to pay with (ever conscious of the need for small bills for the upcoming days) I overhead at the next check stand, the clerk say, “You’re short a nickle,” to which a gentleman replied, “I’ll be right back.”
Without hesitation I handed her a quarter, she handed me my change, the clerk I was working with handed me my receipt and change and I walked toward the door. ((Insert: RAK (Random act of Kindness) here.)) As I was leaving, I heard the clerk behind me say, “Josh, take this drink out to the man in the red truck, it’s paid for.”
I got to my car and left – not ever even seeing Mr. Random-Short-A-Nickle guy. I have no idea his age, race, circumstance, or anything about him except that he is a soul on the same journey as everyone else.
This isn’t something new for me – like all of us, I’ve done it many times over the years, 
but as I was driving away, I felt connected to you all in the MKMMA because we’ve been so inten-tional about this. I thought about Mr. Random and wondered how it affected him. In a positive way, I hope – and then I thought, “What a great amount of pleasure I just received for a nickle!” I couldn’t buy that at a store!
I will tell you what you can buy for a dollar – the best life-changing course available. Leave me your best email and I’ll put you on the early notification list for the upcoming class. You won’t regret it!
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great job!! very kind. I too have found that far more easy to see than anything else…and remembering to see…
I perhaps have to put my word up everywhere to remember…
Kate – someone came up with a great idea – put an index card with the word of the week in each of your piles and as you flash through them, it is there as a reminder. I need to incorporate this as well! Thanks for stopping by!
Very well done. Brings a whole new meaning to, “Buddy, can you spare a [nickel]?” He didn’t even need to ask or expect. You were just there. Cool.
I love when those moments present themselves and we can step in and be a blessing!
That was wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Isn’t it great, when you don’t even have to “think” about being kind? Great story. I hope your friend receives some reliable, excited help soon!
Thanks, Stephanie!
What a great post and share! Great idea about the index card in our stack to keep our daily focus, I am having an issue with that. It’s great when we can learn to live by intention instead of quiet desperation!
Thanks, Rip! It’s great to see you back this year!