Last week Julie & Jeannett launched The Happy Day Project. Each day of the week was assigned a random act of kindness, a darling coordinating printable and a charity to donate to. I wasn’t able to get my act together, but plan to carry out these heartwarming duties throughout the season and beyond.
The first of which I did last Sunday afternoon…
Holden and I were on a little afternoon trip to LA in the pouring rain. We had finished up around 3pm and were headed to Mickey D’s for a late Happy Meal lunch. I realized I had left a couple things behind, so I turned around to go back and retrieve them. We were then back on the road on our way to the nearest Golden Arches {they never really are too far away, are they?}. I placed our order and as I was waiting to pull up to the window to pay, a woman approached my window holding out a cup, I shook my head {NO} and looked away. I didn’t have any cash, but I generally don’t like to give cash to the homeless because there is no guarantee that they are not going to go and buy a alcohol or drugs with it. But I knew I had to do something…this was my chance to purchase a small gift card and had it to a person in need. It was a no-brainer.
I asked the cashier to add on a $5 gift card. She looked a little annoyed and had to ask the manager to get one. It took a couple minutes and I was holding up the drive-thru, but I didn’t care. I was going to give that woman a warm meal as she was drenched and, no doubt, cold. It was the least I could do.
I got our food and the gift card and pulled up to where she was standing at the drive-thru exit. I reached out to her and she extended her dirty, half-smooshed paper cup expecting to hear the clink of a few coins I’m sure. Her eyes looked as though she had ointment or something on them and I got the impression that she didn’t know what I was handing her. I said, “Here is a gift card for you ~ go get yourself some dinner tonight. God Bless.” She accepted it and said “God Bless you”.
I rolled up the window, pulled out and waited for traffic before I turned out of the parking lot. I looked back and she was gone.
I immediately became choked up and could not hold back the tears. I will never forget her face. It felt SO good to hand her something of so little value to me and KNOW that it was invaluable to her.
I thought about her later that evening and wondered what she did with our little {gift}. It does’t matter, but I just hope that for a split second she knew that someone cared about her.
And that someone was me.
*****
I truly believe that if I would’ve gone to McDonald’s first, I wouldn’t have encountered her.
I was delayed and had to go back to get my things for a reason.
HE works in mysterious ways, doesn’t he?
I highly recommend doing this…$5 is an extremely small price to pay for the feeling that you will get and the glory that you’ll give HIM.
Thank you for “lifting” us up! Precious account of an “angel moment!”
Oh Amy, How sweet are you!
What a wonderful thing you did!
Such a sweet story!!
Thanks for your comment, Sarah….it was a joy to do. 😉
Thank you, Sweetheart, for such a great idea!
You’re welcome, Pops! Something so simple for us to do that will certainly make someones day. Can’t wait to hear all about your experience! 😉 XO
Oh Amy! This was such a nice story, it brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks, Mary…I am looking forward to doing it a few more times this holiday season. It’s amazing the emotions that come over you once you drive away. Hope to see you soon! XO