Genuine kindness made my day

BARBARA LILLY | Lacey • Published January 02, 2013 Modified January 01, 2013

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I was recently waiting impatiently for my order in the drive-through at Starbucks near College Street and Yelm Highway. I pulled up to the window and the lovely woman said, “Merry Christmas, your order was paid for by the driver who was in front of you.”

I couldn’t even remember the make of the car that had been in front of me because I was ruminating on what I needed to do when I got to work. It took me awhile to register that someone I did not know … just gave … with no strings.

I was so blessed I had to do it for the car behind me; but more than that, when I left I didn’t get mad at people in traffic cutting me off, because I thought, “Perhaps it was that driver who was so kind.” I have little need, I have a great job and a wonderful husband and family. But with so much negative news around, the kindness that day changed me. It reminded me to be thankful, to expect good out of people, and to be kind to those who don’t live up to those expectations.

Genuine kindness isn’t earned, but kindness can change people. So, whoever you were, your kindness worked.

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