Being Kind to Strangers, part 2 and 3

Yesterday morning, another guy asked me for train money again. Since the train was coming I told him to get on board and I'd cover the difference then. I ended up giving him the money a minute or so after we sat down. Then he started asking about bathrooms (none of course on these trains) and got off the train. I guess he couldn't wait the hour to the city. I have to admit, I felt duped again. So I put it out of my mind for the day, but decided in the future I would hand over the money at the time of purchase instead of before. Wouldn't you know I saw him getting off the same train I took home? I guess he really did go to city after all. I think I did a good thing.

And then today I think I was having a "let's be nice to everyone" day without realizing it. While shopping around Target I picked up a bunch of clothes and last minute items for next weekend’s family wedding. I noticed a boy behind me in line with just a copy of the new Harry Potter book. Knowing that it was going to take a fair amount of time to complete my purchase, I offered to let him jump ahead of me in line. Other people had done that for me in the past. It was time to return the favor. And, no need to make him wait any longer than necessary to start reading.

At the grocery store a couple of elderly people were collecting for a nearby specialty hospital so I dropped a few bucks in. That’s a great cause. I think it was for the heart hospital so that just hits close to home for me and if I can try to help them out, I will.

And tried (hopefully successfully) to give a lost guy directions at the gas station. Where do you go when you need directions? The gas station, of course. Unfortunately, they must have been getting snippy because he was getting frustrated. I yelled out across the pumps some vague directions to get him on his way. I hadn't been to the quaint shopping town he was asking about in years so I tried to point him as best as I could. I hope he got there safely, but why he was venturing there without a map or directions in the first place is a bit of a mystery.

3 words - Pay it forward! You don't have to go as far as giving a random stranger your car. Just try to be nice and maybe this world will become a cheerier place. And, maybe when you need help someone will be able help you.

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