Last week at work, a man came up to my desk and said, ” Hi Becky. I just wanted to be sure you will be here for the rest of the day. I have something in my car for you.”
I thought that was an odd thing to say since I hardly knew him. But I told him I would be there, and he disappeared down the hall, leaving me to ponder what he was talking about.
This man is an out-of-town contractor and only comes in a couple of times a month. When he does, I always speak with him as he signs in on the electronic screen at my desk, making a few jokes here and there, and always being courteous and friendly with him–the way I am with everyone.
And then the thought occurred to me, “Oh no! I’m not currently wearing a wedding ring. (Due to arthritis.) Maybe he has gotten ideas from my friendliness and is trying to butter me up with a gift.”
But then the morning got busy, and I kind of forgot about the whole thing until, around 11:30, he came up to my desk again. He said, “You’re not about to go to lunch, are you? I don’t want to miss you because I won’t be back for a few weeks.”
I told him I’d be at the desk another half an hour and he said, “Oh good. Let me run out to the car real quick.”
By this time, I was more than a little curious as to where this was all headed and what he could possibly have for me. He had turned to head out the door when he suddenly came back to the desk and said, “I guess maybe I should explain what I’m doing.”
I thought, “Yeah. That would be good!”
He said, “Whenever I get back home, I tell my wife that the woman at the front desk is always so pleasant and cheerful. She always has a smile and makes everyone feel so welcome.” He continued, “I guess I’ve told her that so many times she finally said, ‘Well, why don’t we put together an appreciation gift to give her?'”
And so that’s what they did!
His thoughtful wife went out and gathered up the sweetest items for a gift bag. Everything was color-coordinated, and one item was even personalized, so it was clear she put some thought and time into it.
I was blown away! I told the guy to send my thanks to her and to tell her that both of them had truly made my day. He looked so pleased and said he would pass that along.
Isn’t unexpected kindness wonderful? Here are a few of the items in the gift bag.
so last Friday, Steve took her out on a birthday outing. (He does that for each of the grandkids.) They had a fun time and added some happy memories to their grandpa/granddaughter memory bank.
Yesterday, she participated in the worship service at her church.
Here’s Madi and I when we were a few years younger. Happy birthday, dear granddaughter!
Happy Father’s Day to Steve and Nathan, two great men. The two of them and Gage (another amazing man), went to dinner and a movie on Saturday and had the best time together, laughing and talking about all the things going on in their lives.
Steve invited me to go with him on a brief but important outing. The cemetery where his parents are buried is just a short distance from our house, and he wanted to drive over and trim the grass around their gravestones and remember his dad on Father’s Day.
For the trimming, he used an ancient pair of sheep shearers that had come from Scotland. They’ve been in the family for decades and although a weed trimmer would have been more efficient, his dad’s old clippers seemed appropriate for the occasion.
When he was done, we stood arm in arm while he prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for his parents and my parents and the good seeds they had planted in us through the years.
We are living in the “shade of the trees that other people have planted,” and especially the plantings of our parents. We are so grateful for the loving, flawed, godly, imperfect, faithful parents who gave us life.
What about you?
Are there are any highlights (or even lowlights) from your weekend you would like to share?
Do have a story of kindness–either given or received?
Well, that was one precious gift. How thoughtful of them to think of you and your kindness. Late Happy Birthday Maddie. It will always be a long time before I can see my parents graves. They lived in Kansas and I live in Minnesota. So we have to depend on others to keep their sites in good shape.
Sharyn,
Yes, it was definitely a special and unexpected gift!
I’m glad you have people who live locally who can keep an eye on your parents’ graves. That means so much!
What a thouhtful gift!! Hope the guys enjoyed Steak N Shake (I love their fries!). Happy Happy Belated Birthday to Madi – how nice each grandchild gets a special Grandpa Smith day for their birthday. And how special to use the sheep shears to trim around Steve’s parents graves. I just enjoyed a quiet, rainy weekend and it was much appreciated. Wishing you a Wonderful Wednesday – and rest of the week!
SueEllen,
I haven’t been to a Steak N Shake in forever; it looks like nostalgic comfort food.
The only thing better than a quiet weekend is a quiet, rainy weekend. Ahhhh . . . .
I’m loving the story of the surprise gift. Such a sweet thing for them to do! You truly do have a special ability to make people feel seen and valued. You’re making a huge impact from behind that receptionist desk–very proud of you!
The gates on the deck are a great idea! Steve just gets in there and gets it done! It will be so nice to have that space where the dogs can be safe outside off leash.
Those old shears were the perfect tool for trimming around Ken and Vernie’s markers. They’re like a symbol of all the hard work, life lessons and love that has been passed down through the generations.
Loved the pics of the sweet Madi and grandpa outing and the Smith/Long guys. They are good men indeed.
Your post has reminded me again of the importantance of aways watching for opportunities to extend a little kindness and offer a helping hand. Just a little bit of sunshine goes a long way! 🌞
Love to you guys!
Deb
Deb,
“Just a little bit of sunshine goes a long way.” I love that thought. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to comment on each thing and always being such an encouragement. We don’t live a real exciting life here in Charlotte but it’s full of sweet people and sweet things!
Becky
I worked in a community college in the distance education office ( we had several off campus locations) one of my favorite things about my job was helping homeschool students and their parents get registered for classes. I always told my homeschool students that my office was always open for them and it could be their safe place. they were always so polite and appreciative of everything I helped with. I was always getting little surprise gifts from them. One of my most favorite ones was an Easter Lily plant. I have a camper on a permanent lot in a campground where i planted them. They bloom so beautifully every spring and remind me of those wonderful kids. As for my weekend I am never more overjoyed than to have my kids and grandkids (and a brand new great granddaughter. who was only 7 days old) around So although it was Father’s Day my heart was full to overflowing and so was my precious hubby. I loved the picture of Steve so sweetly making sure his parents resting place was perfect It made my heart happy. We went last week and replaced the flowers on our parents resting place I know they aren’t there but it is the last place we left them. Looking forward to seeing them again. I look forward every Monday to reading about your week. Thanks for including me in your family. Oh and how in the world is Madi already 10. Of course today is my Sara’s birthday and she is 19 where in the world has time gone?
Gail,
I can only imagine how much your words of welcome meant to those students. And their gifts let you know that your kindness mattered to them. How nice to plant something that continues to bloom and continues to remind you of those special days.
Congrats on the new granddaughter! It’s a special kind of joy to hold a newborn; so fresh from heaven.
Happy late birthday to Sara1
The highlight of the weekend was golfing in a tournament with my husband and two kids. He was living his best life! Having a ball and just loving being together as a family. The best part is that our daughter really isn’t a golfer but she really wanted to play. It was the best day and perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day!
Your unexpected gift was so thoughtful! What a nice surprise! I love that he went out of his way to do something special for you. 😊
LeeAnne,
So sweet of your daughter to play golf with you guys even though she doesn’t really play. It’s that time spent together that is really what counts.
Sounds like your husband had a fabulous Dad’s Day!
I got divorced and moved to a new town with my son (from Raleigh to Wilmington!). We didn’t know a soul. It was a very hard time in life. I mentioned it to one of our new neighbors a few weeks after we moved there. Not long after, we came home to discover several of our neighbors had decorated the outside of our house and yard for Christmas. It was so festive and cheerful. I really felt like it was one of the kindest things anyone has done for me.
Ellen,
That is the sweetest story!
I love how just one person heard “the whole story” behind your words and realized that what you needed in your life right then was a tangible sign that you and were son weren’t alone and that someone cared.
God bless you and God bless your neighbors–all of you a good reminder that none of us are ever completely alone in this world.
So encouraging to be encouraged with the gift bag. Your giving to others with a smile and cheerful attitude has come back to you.
What a blessing and lift to your day-week-month!! Thankful that the Lord sees your faithfulness in the small things–welcoming strangers in a loving way. Ruth
Thanks, Ruth!
You had two comments that posted so I combined them into one. 🙂
You are always doing things for your friends and neighbors, too. Being kind and receiving kindness set up a good cycle.
A very thoughtful gift for you. You never know who is taking note.
I love the last picture of Steve. The look of pride for his parents is obvious. (Unless, of course, its actually about his perfect trimming job, HA!)
Lesley,
Yes, he was very proud–of parents and trimming! 🙂
What a kind and thoughtful gift. I have received some random gifts when I was teaching both from kids and parents. A small bag of chocolate, a pair of socks with teaching tools on them, a shirt for the class stuffed bear,… always fun when it is a surprise.
We drove 6 hours to attend my great nephews graduation party. He was surprised that we drove all that way. Bonus was seeing other family including my great grand nephew who was born on my birthday. Safe travels to and from made a great weekend.
Patti,
Yes, a surprise gift doesn’t have to be big. Just being a surprise is enough.
How fun to get to show up unexpectedly for your great nephew’s graduation party and also getting to see your great grand nephew. Happy times!