“It’s the little things that make life so big.”
(Unknown)

Point to Ponder:
In your normal week, where do you interact with the most “strangers?”

Action Item:
Make an effort to be kind to a stranger this week.

by Neissa Brown Springmann

Last week I joined a friend for lunch at FoodHeads Cafe. While standing in line and scanning the delicious menu options, a loud and enthusiastic man charged in front of us and grabbed a giant chocolate chip cookie. As he aggressively unwrapped the homemade goodness, he began telling us and his two friends that these particular cookies were the best in town and that he specifically brought clients to FoodHeads for the treat.  He talked 90 miles a minute, offering sandwich suggestions and even asking if we’d like to try his cookie. At this point we were all laughing because this guy was over the moon about the restaurant and the cookie, and even though I wasn’t craving dessert (yet), there was no way I was going to pass up the unusual offer to share this guy’s joy.  So, I broke off a piece and delighted in his generosity and cheerfulness.

As you might expect I was flabbergasted and inspired by this total stranger’s passion and gesture. Granted, it was nothing more than one bite of cookie but it made the difference in my whole day. In fact, it was four days ago and I can’t stop thinking about it. This man proved what I often times forget: small things delivered with passion and joy can make someone’s day, and even change a life — it’s really all we need.

Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to share a cookie with another stranger (yet), however I did buy my favorite dark chocolate bar for the man proceeding me in the grocery store line. I told him it was delicious and I wanted him to try it. I’m not so sure my passion was as contagious as my FoodHead friend (in fact, I know it wasn’t), but it was my start. My start also includes making a conscious effort to slow down, get outside of myself and do more of the little things that matter, like engage in conversation with the check-out clerk, make eye contact and say “hello” to a stranger and be joyful and kind when interacting with people. If there’s one thing I know to be true it’s that everyone is going through something, and one kind, joyful gesture can make a day and even change a life, and that is where our endless opportunities lie.

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