“Be kind to one another.”  St. Paul in Ephesians

“The best good work is the one we’re not aware of.”  Martin Luther

When was the last time someone did something kind to you?  Something really small and seemingly insignificant that made a big difference in your day.  Maybe a kind word or a simple gesture like opening a door.  Something that would normally be overlooked and would go unnoticed by most everyone?  On the other hand, when did you do something like that for another?

Barbara did that for me this week.

Barbara works at a small, locally owned bookstore. (I try, and often-times fail, to order my books from local shops rather than Amazon).  I had ordered a book to give to a friend.  It arrived earlier than expected.  When I went to pick it up  Barbara was working behind the desk.  I had met her before, but other than her name I know almost nothing about her.  She promptly found my book on the reserve shelf and gave it to me, and then processed my credit card.  She then handed me a light blue metallic-colored pen with which to sign the receipt.  As I did so I noticed what a fine pen it was!  An S-gel sharpie, the ink or gel or whatever it is, flowed smoothly in a fine, fluid line.  You probably know the kind I’m talking about.  It’s not the traditional ink pen which can be hard to get started and is a bit sticky or blotchy at times.  This one was like liquid lotion flowing onto the page.  I loved it! 

“This is a really nice pen”, I commented to Barbara.

“I’m glad you like it.  We had a book signing here and got a number of them special.  But the author really didn’t like them,” Barbara responded.

“You’re kidding.  This pen is wonderful,” I said.

“You may have it if you like,” Barbara said.

“Really? I’d really appreciate that.  Thank you!”, I responded.  I took my book and deposited my new treasured writing instrument into my pocket, and left the store.

I’ve used the pen a lot this week.  I’m kind of old school and still like to jot daily “to do” lists and sometimes journal.  I used it to write a check out to the IRS for my taxes.  It made it a little less painful.  Last night I pulled it out of my pocket for the purpose of paying for dinner.  Every time I’ve used it this week it has made the experience a bit more pleasant.  I’ve thought of Barbara and her simple act of kindness.  It’s quite likely that she isn’t even aware of what a positive impression and lasting impact her simple act of kindness made upon me.  And that’s part of what makes it so meaningful. 

I don’t know anything about Barbara other than that she works in a bookstore.  I don’t know what she values, what struggles she faces in life, or what she believes.  I don’t know if she’s generally happy in her job, or if she works there just to pay the bills.  I do know that she made a difference to me with that one, small act of kindness.

Martin Luther supposedly once said that the best good work is the one we’re not aware of.  Whether aware of them or not small acts of kindness or seemingly unimportant gifts are important.  Even essential in life.   

Small acts of kindness and little gifts received.

Small acts of kindness and little gifts given.  

With Love.