Having A Good Day

     I'm in the middle of moving this week so I don't really have the time to create a decent post about writing or even to throw out some sore of crazy rambling that I am known to offer on occasion. Instead, I'm going to relate an event that happened to me last week.

     After an exhausting struggle with a demonic underwriter, we finally closed on our house. My wife and I decided to take the entire family out to dinner to celebrate. We had a great time enjoying the food and one another's company. A gentleman sat at the table next to us and chucked a few times as we tried to convince the two youngest boys to try a taste of some new foods. Nick firmly advised us, "I might not like it." To which I replied, "And you might love it."

     They were not to be convinced though. We finished our meal, the boys sticking with food that was safe and familiar, and then proceeded to the cashier. To our surprise, the gentleman who had sat next to us had already paid for our meal. Keep in mind that the cost for a family of six to dine at an honest to goodness restaurant is not cheap. He drove out of the parking lot before we could stop him to say thanks.

     At my job, all day long I deal with people who are not very nice. My journey to and from work is filled with crazy, dangerous people who are way too eager to share rude gestures with me and the rest of the drivers who are in their way. This is what most of us deal with on a daily basis.

     The amazing thing to me is that it only took one act of generosity to restore my sagging faith in humanity. That single act was more powerful than the dozens of negative encounters I've had over the last couple of weeks. I would like to thank that gentleman for lifting me up. I wish he knew how much his kindness meant to me.

    This week, or next, I plan to pay that good deed forward. I probably won't be picking up the tab for dinner, but it doesn't have to be a monetary gift that lightens someone's day. What I'd like to do is encourage all of you to do the same. One person can make a difference in the life of another. Be that person.

     By the way, here's a picture of my family when we go out to dinner. (Don't let my wife know I shared the family pictures with everyone.)