Pay It

Somewhere in the US, I cannot speak for other countries, someone started the "pay for the coffee of the person in line behind you" trend. Since then, people have paid for meals and drinks to benefit someone else. Others have followed suit but with a twist: just pay for a meal or a drink and when a person needs it, but cannot pay for it, then it is there for him or her to have. It does not need to be the next one in line. 

As I was searching for a "positive headline" to share, I came across "acts of kindness" stories gathered by Reader's Digest. I chose to share the following:

The man at the market

When the supermarket clerk tallied up my groceries, it was $12 over what I had on me. I began to remove items from the bags when another shopper handed me a $20 bill. “Please don’t put yourself out,” I told him. “Let me tell you a story,” he said. “My mother is in the hospital with cancer. I visit her every day and bring her flowers. I went this morning, and she got mad at me for spending my money on more flowers. She demanded that I do something else with that money. So, here, please accept this. It is my mother’s flowers.” —Leslie Wagner, Peel, Arkansas

How would you feel if you were on the receiving end? 
How much more grateful could you feel if you were on the giving end?

I realize that not all of us have the finances to buy meals or drinks for others in need. However, if you are ever in the position to go and buy fast food, a slice of pizza on the go, or drinks, look around you to see if there's anyone in need. 
Or, when you are at the grocery store, if you see someone putting groceries or other necessities back because of lack of funds, consider helping out.
Or, if you have a child in school (and the children in the school have to pay for their breakfast or lunch), consider paying the bill for a child. Although things are changing, I don't know that all schools are already providing free breakfast and lunch for their students. By paying their bill, you would help a family in need. 

By doing these small acts of service, not only will the receiver be blessed, but so will the giver. Just remember the words the Savior spoke, "...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Hospitality

If you are a frequent traveler, you are most likely aware that travel plans might need to be changed quickly. Among many possible problems, sometimes the culprit is a mechanical failure and, sometimes, the culprit is the weather. 

In this story, from the Good News Network, ferry passengers were stranded due to weather conditions. They were unable to find shelter, until two kind souls opened their home to them. These people were all strangers to each other. But this did not stop William and Arianna Patterson from welcoming them into their home. The physical accommodations might have not been the best, as many ended up sleeping on the floor, but the atmosphere and the caring these people enjoyed was worth every moment of their adventure.  You can read the complete article, Dock Worker Brings Stranded Ferry Passengers Home: 'You're All Staying at My House Tonight', by clicking on the link.

Would you have done the same, if you had been in William and Arianna's shoes?

This is not the first time that complete strangers opened their homes to stranded passengers. It seems that when things get tough, when situations seem extreme, many individuals find a place in their hearts to help one another. And this kind of behavior brings to mind the following scripture: "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," (Matthew 25:40)

May we all find a way to show caring towards one another. And may we do so without waiting on an emergency situation to arise. 

Different Ways of Serving Others

When we think of service, many times we think of just paid staff whether at home, or restaurants, or companies with a customer service department. 

How many of us think also of unpaid individuals who voluntarily "serve" others for the sake of just helping out? 

Below, you will find links to articles about people who, either in a group or on their own, have served others by taking action. These are what I consider "positive headlines."

From the Good News Network:

1. The Gift of Love: 

Teen Floundering in Foster Care Finally Gets to be a Sister With Real Family for First Time  
Aug 7, 2023

1. The Gift of Nutrition: 

GNN Readers Donate 20,000 Meals to Hungry Kids in Partnership With Nutrition Company 
Aug 6, 2023

1. The Gift of Caring: 

Hero Post Office Worker Saves Senior From Sending Thousands of Dollars to a Scammer 
Aug 6, 2023

1. The Gift of Reading: 

CNN Hero: Man Helps Barbers Fill Their Shops with Books to Help Kids Find Excitement in Reading 
Aug 3, 2023

When one gives to others without expecting anything in return, there is a joy to be found that fills one's heart. 

Acts of service can be done every day. Many times, there is not even the need to spend money. Many times, these acts of service don't need to be big; they just need to be performed: a smile or a hello to someone walking by; a door held for someone, anyone...; picking up something that fell, or was thrown to the ground, and putting it back where it belongs. You get the idea. 

Our act of service might never make the news and be posted somewhere for someone to read, but I assure you that it will be recorded in someone's heart and your day will be better for it. 

After all, as the scriptures say, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Matthew 24:40 (from 20 Bible Verses to Inspire You to Help Others)

So, let's get out there and act, serve, and love. Positive headlines will be written in our hearts and in the hears of those we reach.