[Looking for my personal blog? It has moved to GarrettMcCarthy.Tumblr.com]
A man who goes to my church made a passing comment on Sunday about how much he would love to make deviled eggs, but that he doesn’t have any paprika. I happen to know he is on a tight budget so buying paprika likely isn’t an option. I had half a jar in my pantry so when I saw him yesterday, I gave it to him.
It was such a small thing to do. But, you know what? He was thrilled.
I’m not fishing for any compliments. The truth is, I’m often not a good listener. Sure, I “listen.” But, sometimes I’m so busy checking things off my mental to-do list that I miss hearing the opportunities out there to do nice things for people.
I was really listening on Sunday. I want to make this a habit. This sounds like another reason to slow down. Hmmm I’m seeing a pattern here. #loveonpurpose
-Erin
#GPGF
be kind.
![projecttick:
Saturday night I went to my friend’s house to watch the Final Four. During the games, one of my friends took it upon himself to buy pizza for the group. After slamming about five pieces of pizza, I realized that I did not have any cash. I quickly thought of how I would reconcile the situation; I first apologized and then offered to go to the nearest ATM. Ben graciously refused and simply asked me to “Pay it Forward.” Filled with gratitude, I was eager to look for an opportunity to pass it on. Little did I know, I would have a perfect opportunity Sunday night @ Wal-Mart…
Finishing up @ Wal-Mart, I patiently waited to checkout. In front of me stood a pair of ladies who were doing their weekly grocery shopping. As one grabbed the last items from their cart, she looked at the total price and realized that she did not have enough money. Feeling inspired by what Ben did for me, I jumped in and offered to pay for the last two items. The donation brought a smile to everyone’s face, and I walked away grateful for the opportunity. I headed towards my car, not realizing what lie ahead.
Groceries stowed, I guided my cart back towards the return line when a mother and daughter approached me, “Would you be willing to buy one of these flowers so that we can buy groceries?” they asked. I responded, “What groceries do you need?” Surprised that I asked, she hesitated, “Hmm..bread, milk, eggs…the basics.” I replied, “Let’s do some grocery shopping!”
While shopping, the mom told me that she had recently moved to Indianapolis to live with her family. She had been looking for a job, but few employers had shown any interest. She had an 8 year old daughter that you could tell was a bit of a tomboy. Her daughter’s favorite thing to do was bike, and as she described her bike to me, she began to smile from cheek to cheek. It made my day just to see her run through the store and pick out her favorite foods. After we finished shopping and proceeded to checkout, the mom thanked me over and over again. When she asked me what I did, I told her about project tic[k] and how we were trying to inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ by tracking acts of kindness and connecting people. Trying to understand the best she could, she responded, “So it’s like Karma or something?” I smiled, in agreeance with her understanding.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2km79eU3V1rqvfmyo1_1280.jpg)
Saturday night I went to my friend’s house to watch the Final Four. During the games, one of my friends took it upon himself to buy pizza for the group. After slamming about five pieces of pizza, I realized that I did not have any cash. I quickly thought of how I would reconcile the situation; I first apologized and then offered to go to the nearest ATM. Ben graciously refused and simply asked me to “Pay it Forward.” Filled with gratitude, I was eager to look for an opportunity to pass it on. Little did I know, I would have a perfect opportunity Sunday night @ Wal-Mart…
Finishing up @ Wal-Mart, I patiently waited to checkout. In front of me stood a pair of ladies who were doing their weekly grocery shopping. As one grabbed the last items from their cart, she looked at the total price and realized that she did not have enough money. Feeling inspired by what Ben did for me, I jumped in and offered to pay for the last two items. The donation brought a smile to everyone’s face, and I walked away grateful for the opportunity. I headed towards my car, not realizing what lie ahead.
Groceries stowed, I guided my cart back towards the return line when a mother and daughter approached me, “Would you be willing to buy one of these flowers so that we can buy groceries?” they asked. I responded, “What groceries do you need?” Surprised that I asked, she hesitated, “Hmm..bread, milk, eggs…the basics.” I replied, “Let’s do some grocery shopping!”
While shopping, the mom told me that she had recently moved to Indianapolis to live with her family. She had been looking for a job, but few employers had shown any interest. She had an 8 year old daughter that you could tell was a bit of a tomboy. Her daughter’s favorite thing to do was bike, and as she described her bike to me, she began to smile from cheek to cheek. It made my day just to see her run through the store and pick out her favorite foods. After we finished shopping and proceeded to checkout, the mom thanked me over and over again. When she asked me what I did, I told her about project tic[k] and how we were trying to inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ by tracking acts of kindness and connecting people. Trying to understand the best she could, she responded, “So it’s like Karma or something?” I smiled, in agreeance with her understanding.
Random acts of kindness :)
Have you heard about Caine’s Arcade? This kid is so cool. With all of the video games, computer games and techie toys available to kid’s today, I really appreciate Caine’s creativity.
This video is long (10+ min.), but it’s worth it to watch how this one guy - a total stranger - took time to make a kid’s day. I bet the utter joy on Caine’s face was worth every second put into getting people to the arcade. The odds that I will organize a flash mob this week are pretty slim, but I want to think of some unexpected ways I can show kindness to a stranger, or someone I don’t normally reach out to. #loveonpurpose
-Erin
my 15-year-old son used his own money to buy a coffee and biscotti for a homeless guy. He did this of his own volition. Just because he wanted to help.
You know, I think I just may be doing this parenting thing correctly after all.
(What? Oh, that’s just something in my eye. [snif])
GPGF
Today I was driving around in La Jolla when I saw something that warmed my heart. I’m stuck in a long line of traffic waiting for my light to turn green when I start watching a man, a homeless man, hoping for some kindness from others. I watched as car after car passed this man not so much giving…
Good People Go Far.
