Thursday, July 05, 2007

A Trinity of Goodwill


It is amazing how something so small can make such a difference. I've talked to a lot of people since posting about paying it forward. I've gotten several responses and heard stories of what other people have done. I don't know who benefits more, the person receiving or the person giving. It is definitely a lot of both though. I was at House of Java as usual yesterday and passed along a pre-paid cup of coffee to whoever would come in next. I told Brinder, the young man behind the counter what to do and then I went back to my book and forgot about it. Then a series of psst, psst, psst's intruded into my reading. There was Brinder discretely pointing to a young man who was just leaving the shop with his free cup of coffee. Not only was he surprised and pleased and surprised some more, but he also had no idea that it was me. Brinder kept my secret. And there was a third aspect to it as well. Brinder, as the messenger, also got something out of the sharing. It was like a trinity of goodwill.

8 comments:

Wanda said...

Is the cofee from the new Flying Dutchman Coffee house in Hughson!
They doing something like that!!!

I haven't paid it forward yet, but will!

Gypsy Purple said...

Oh I love this!!!!
I agree Annie....both receive so much....I also told a lot of people and heard some great stories...and got everyone fired up again...

Mary Bee said...

The same day you wrote about paying it forward. I was at the post office, and there was a homeless man who was a Vietnam vet and it was over 100°, and I could tell he was wilting. So I drove over to the service station and bought him a sandwich, some Fritos and a large bottle of Gatorade took them back to him, and told him I was his Angel for the day. He was obviously amazed and before I could walk away. He was already eating the sandwich. He was so hungry! I'm not sure who got the most out of it, but hopefully, it helped him. I'm trying to do something for others every single day. Thank you Annie.

Bimbimbie said...

Hi Annie, it's amazing how something so small and done on impulse can ripple through to other people and make us all feel a little more connected to one another. Every now and then if we are passing through a road toll we ask to add the following vehicle too *!*

Julie said...

Annie,

I meant to respond to your previous post about this. Yes, I certainly plan to participate. Haven't been out and about much but when I am, I shall look for RAKs to do.

All my best,

Julie

Mary Timme said...

How lovely Anne,

I love that! We have been the receipant (forgive my spelling, please!) of things like that and it just floors us. I like doing stuff like that too, and to get to see the results is like heaven! Good for you.

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

I am participating! Sorry I am late answering, my excuse the holidays, LOL

Rella said...

Precious post and I so agree. Secret acts of kindess have the most amazing ripple effect and it's powerful.
Right with you~ Rella