I love my kids’ childcare center. From the first moment I stepped foot in their building 7 years ago, I knew it would be the perfect place for my children to learn and grow. The staff are always smiling, the facility is beautifully decorated with framed artwork of students lining the front walls. They even have a free coffee bar for parents in the morning.
One of the reasons this place is amazing is because of the director, Marcie. She always has a smile on her face and greets every parent and child by name. Her joyfulness can warm your heart even on the coldest of days.
This week as I arrived to pick up my children, Marcie and I started talking about wallets and purses. I rarely carry a purse (unless I need something to carry my digital devices); instead, I have all my money and credit cards in a small Vera Bradley wallet attached to my car keys. Marcie gasped with shock when I showed her all I had in my hands. “The bigger, the better for me – I need a HUGE purse!” she shared, laughing at the comparison.
She then paused and tilted her head slightly to the left. “Do you want a new wallet? I have two at home just like yours – one for winter and one for spring. I can bring them tomorrow if you like.” My eyes opened wide with surprise at her generosity. “Really? Are you sure? How sweet of you!” Unbeknownst to her, my wallet was old and ripped. I desperately needed a new one, just had been putting off buying one, too busy with the daily tasks of life.
The next afternoon when I came to pick up my children, Mandy at the front desk smiled and said, “I have a present for you!” There, sitting on the counter, were the two wallets Marcie had described the day before. What a wonderful surprise! I was giddy with joy! Several of the parents and workers laughed as I had Mandy snap a photo to share on this blog.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, think of something you have that you can give to someone else. It doesn’t have to be something tangible; sharing gifts of service are just as delightful. Bring a smile to someone else’s day as you radiate kindness in your spirit. Together we can remind people there really is good in this world!
