Compassion and Kindness

October 18, 2024

“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” Colossians 3:13 The Message

Do you ever have trouble with drive-thru windows?  I have dropped credit cards, receipts, straws, and napkins only to discover that I cannot open my door far enough to retrieve that which has been dropped. I’m really stuck if there is a car right behind me. Grrrr.

It just so happens that last Sunday, with my two younger granddaughters in the car, I picked up a coffee at Starbucks drive-thru. There was a woman in a van in front of me at the window. She rolled down her window and tried to give a bill to the cashier only to have it blown out of her fingers in my direction. I put the car in park, told the girls I’d be right back, and approached the vehicle, offering to find the bill. The driver was very apologetic, and I replied, “I’ve been in your position before. I’m glad to help.” I found the $20 bill in the bushes, handed it to her and went back to my car.

The girls asked why I got out of the car, and I explained the situation as I pulled forward to get my drink. I handed the cashier my money, and she waved it off, saying that the woman in front of me had paid for my coffee. I was surprised, amazed, and grateful, and so were my granddaughters.

I’ve never been a fashionista or a model, but it hit me that I walked the runway with compassion and kindness in that moment. It felt great, and would have, even without the free drink!

Anne