Deuteronomy 15:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
I walked very deliberately into my local Starbucks that night.
Determined. I had already made up my mind. Inspired by one of my favorite photographers, I was going to buy a stranger coffee. Because it’s Christmas. Because I wanted to spread some love and cheer. Because my soul needed some lifting, and for me, giving is soul lifting in it’s truest form.
I practically danced up to the counter, ordered the usual Cinnamon Dolce for Mama and I to share while we ran some Christmas errands, selected a gift card, and handed it to the barista.
“Is this a gift for someone?” She asked.
“I guess you could say that,” I replied eagerly.
The card had barely touched my hands when I spun around to the older couple who had been waiting in line behind me. I handed the women the card and said, “Merry Christmas,” and before she could awake from her state of shock, I walked away to await my latte.
Within a moment, the gentleman who had just received this gift approached me. I will never forget the words he spoke to me that night. “Random acts of kindness have this way of spreading like wildfire. Keep facilitating that growing light.” As he said this, he slipped into my hand a copy of the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. Now, having never met me before, this man could never have known how I feel about Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special. He could have never known that every Christmas for as long as I can remember, I have recited a scene from that Christmas classic with my family at Christmas dinner. He could never have known how much that simple “thank you” for the small act of kindness I showed him would mean to me. After speaking with them briefly, I learned that this couple is actually the Santa & Mrs. Claus who visit the local children’s hospital every year. They do so much good for our community, and I’m so thankful that God allowed our paths to cross that day. I couldn’t think of a couple who were more deserving of a cup of kindness.
With tears in her eyes, the woman held my hand and thanked me for sharing Christmas spirit that she so desperately needed. That’s the thing about it, y’all. You never know what the person next to you has been going through. You never know their struggles, their burdens, or what taking just a few minutes to show some consideration can do for an aching heart. If nothing else this holiday season, I encourage you to consider that. Be the light.
In the spirit of the season, the spirit of giving, I want this kindness chain to continue, so I’m going to give away this copy of A Charlie Brown Christmas. For anyone who would like a chance to enter, all you have to do is leave a comment about one of your favorite Christmas memories or traditions.
That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!
Cousins gathering to make/roll meatballs for our families Christmas dinner. The smells of garlic, parm cheese, and fresh basil warms the house along with the togetherness … If only we still had this tradition when my grandfather passed away it kind if died with him everyone became too busy with the rat race of life
You have one of the kindest hearts Nikki! Thank you SO much for sharing this!
Chistmas Traditions and Memories are abundant for me! I love Christmas so much. Every year we go to this little quaint one stoplight town town at Christmas time (it’s called Blackstone, VA) and we go to the hardware/general store there that has this HUGE Christmas themed train set there that just keeps growing and expanding every year. We’ve been doing that since I was a little girl and it just reminds me of my childhood so much. Another one of my favorite things is baking with my Mama and my younger sister. I can’t wait to one day tell my children about all of my amazing Christmas memories one day! It’s such a wonderful and magical time of the year, and I thank God for allowing us to celebrate it and make memories with our loved ones!