Random Acts of Kindness

When Sissy was just 16 months old, I joined a mom's group.  We had play dates, went to the zoo, picked pumpkins, celebrated Halloween and Christmas and Easter together, but what began as socialization for our kids grew into wonderful mommy friendships.  Over the years we raised our kids together, shared advice, offered support, and just enjoyed each others company.  As our kids got older, they went to different pre-schools and then kindergartens and it became increasingly difficult to see one another.  Unfortunately, as we drifted apart geographically, we needed each other emotionally more than ever.  Now, our one saving grace is our continued interaction on Facebook.  We have a group page where we can share our gripes, triumphs, pitfalls, struggles, and joys. 

This last week, nearly every mommy was having a tough time.   Kids were sick, schedules were draining, life was demanding, and then a miracle happened!  Moms in the group started receiving loaves of homemade banana bread on their porches or mailboxes with notes that simply read, "A Sweet Treat From the Mama's".  Okay, banana bread may not sound like a miracle, but when you've had a tough week, the kids have been crying for 2 hours, and you're covered in snot, the fact that someone took the time to bring you a treat IS A MIRACLE!  As each mama would receive her loaf she would post something to the Facebook page, and we would all share in that new joy.  With something as simple as a loaf of bread, our weeks were changed.  We all watched to see who would get the next loaf, we all guessed who the mysterious baker was, and we all ate delicious bread.  Beyond the tangible gift of the bread, we received an intangible gift too... a chance to feel like a part of something, a chance to be distracted from the rigors of daily life, a chance to remember the impact a small gift can make!

I can't help but imagine how different our lives would be if we each took the time to be a "mysterious baker".  I know that I have learned the value of a beautiful, amazing, perfect, and perhaps not so random act of kindness.  Now, its time to pay it forward!