Just Saying Thanks

Many times all we hear about are the baddies out there—the people who rob, or cheat, or hurt others. I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to the nice folks out there.

I went to a paint store this week to look at color cards for an impending paint job.  I asked if they could give me a swatch book—it has all of the colors in it. They gave me one with my promise I’d buy from that location. I went out of my way the following day to buy from them. I know that’s a small thing on both our parts, but it made me feel good that they were kind and I was able to keep my word.

Later in the day, while doing a different painting project in a different part of town, the extender thingie on my roller broke—mid ceiling. One thing I do know about painting is that you shouldn’t let part of it dry before continuing. In a small panic I headed out to the nearest paint store. When I explained what I wanted, the gentleman dug around in the warehouse and GAVE me a threaded wooden pole.  It was perfect for what I needed. He didn’t want any money for it—apparently plain old wooden pole extenders are passé and his store didn’t even stock them. Again, just a small thing, but it made my day.

Last month a stranger bought lunch for my friend in line behind her. The woman said it was just her day to do something like that. That same day one of the folks that supply a service to my home gave me a discount on service rather than have me cancel my contract (we all know money’s tight.) 

Again, none of these things are life-altering—but they are life affirming.  Yes, there are and will always be the baddies, but there are also good folks who do small kindnesses for others. I hope you encounter one of those today—and then become one tomorrow. It sounds trite, but pay it forward and remember to thank those who paid it to you.

Want to blog on Patch?

Other blogs by Barbara Morris