Did you accept the challenge?

Today is the day!! Remember, I was challenging myself to give away all 10 of the cards I had printed out... I was excited to get my morning started, so here's how it went.

My first stop was at our local library where I donated a bag of books that I had already read. I put card #1 in the middle of one of the books. They were having a book sale today so it was perfect timing.

Next stop was our wonderful bakery, Otto's - I couldn't wait to get there. Last time I had stopped, Anne (the owner) had told me about a little IOU board she had for people who didn't have cash to pay for their goodies (Otto's doesn't accept debit cards). I had planned to pay for one of those IOU's and leave a card in it's place to give to that person when they came back to pay their bill. Unfortunately, they didn't have ANY IOU's today. So, I settled for buying a dozen donuts which Mark took to the local sheriff's office along with card #2. I know he wasn't thrilled about doing that so I really appreciated him being a good sport!

I headed for Mickey D's to pay for the person behind me. Murphy's Law - it's 11am and NO ONE is going through the drive through. I circled the parking lot twice before I noticed someone headed that way - quick got in line ahead of them. When I paid for my order and the person behind me, I asked the cashier to give them card #3. While I waited for my lemonade, it was fun to watch them looking at my car, trying to figure out if they knew me. And I was getting more pumped up about my challenge!

Our local dollar store was the next destination. My plan was to pick up balloon bouquets. As I was checking out, the cashier asked if I wanted to purchase a toy to donate to "Kids in Crisis" - a program that allows law enforcement to provide a stuffed animal to a child as part of their interaction in difficult situations. I requested that card #4 go with the toy and the cashier readily agreed!

On to deliver my balloon bouquets at the pediatric unit of our hospital. I explained my challenge to the unit secretary and asked that the 2 bouquets (and cards #5 and #6) be given to whichever children they thought most appropriate. She was thrilled to be part of the surprise and also loved the cards! While I was there, I left a bag of candy for the staff along with card #7 and thanked them for everything that they do in caring for sick children.

Oh, I was having fun! Being at the hospital triggered my next act. One of the staffing people I interact with recently found out that she was losing her job this month. Carol is such a nice person and has a beautiful soul. Well, she works from a location at the hospital so while I was there, I stopped at the gift shop - bought her a little thank you card and chocolate - leaving it on her desk to find with card #8.

After this, I needed to make a stop at the bookstore. As I was looking for a parking place, I saw 2 young adults on the corner - singing and playing guitar. Hmmm - another opportunity! They were packing up by the time I parked and walked up to them, but I still handed them a few dollars with card #9. They were so appreciative!

I had parked at the opposite end of the block from the bookstore for my last random act. Although I wasn't able to use card #10, I got out a handful of quarters (hoping I had enough)and walked down the block plugging change into all the parking meters that a car was setting at. Not surprisingly, I still had 3 quarters left at the end of the block. God always provides for our needs, doesn't He?

I spent very little money, but had the opportunity to touch quite a few people around me. It was a privilege for me to perform these Random Acts of Kindness and share them with you! I hope this will be a small step towards making these types of gestures part of my daily life. Now, I want to hear all about your random acts!!