Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.

So, this is my first time writing in response to the daily prompts that are delivered every morning.

I decided to write about a random act of kindness I showed someone. I’ve done many random acts of kindness over the years. One thing I dislike about the growing trend of doing these random acts, is that many people do them and then feel the need to go to social media and brag about what they did. It quickly goes from a random act of kindness to a “Look at what I did! I’m such a great person!” The focus then shifts from the act itself to praising the one who performed the act.

I firmly believe that Christ places people in our path deliberately. Nothing is by coincidence. It is our job to follow His lead and what He lays on our heart, or ignore this divine appointment. Here’s my short story.

I was coming home one evening back in 2017. It was early winter and we were getting our first snowfall of the year. It wasn’t completely snow, but a mixture of rain as well. It was damp and cold. I had just finished photographing a wedding and my wife asked if I would stop by the store before heading home.

As I was pulling into the parking lot, there was a person standing on the corner holding a sign. It was evident with the circumstances that this individual was homeless. I went into the store and asked if they knew who it was standing on the corner. Perhaps this person has come in to get something to drink or quick shelter from the quickly deteriorating conditions outside. Nonetheless, nobody knew the individual or had any contact with them.

After getting what I needed, I walked next door to a Barnes and Noble bookstore. Inside there was a Starbucks. I ordered a hot coffee and hot pretzel. As I made my way towards this individual standing there holding a sign, I noticed it was a woman. She smiled as I handed her the coffee and pretzel. We talked for a few minutes and she introduced herself as Danielle. She told me that because of a health condition, she wasn’t allowed to stay at a homeless shelter. I gave her my last five dollars and asked if I could take a picture of her and I and post it on my social media, and ask any of my contacts in the area to stop by if they had something she could have to help keep her warm. She was grateful and obliged.

The post ended up going viral. There were a ton of positive comments along with a few negative ones. Danielle actually connected with someone a former co-worker that had lost contact with her.

Here is what I took away from the situation and others like that since then. You never know when God will ask you to show His love, grace, and mercy to a complete stranger. It didn’t matter what her overall story was, whether she took the money to buy drugs or alcohol, or whether she was homeless because she wanted to be (come to find out that was the case with Danielle). It’s not my place to judge or ascertain why Danielle was there. God placed her in my path that cold evening. I could have driven by and not paid much attention, or I could listen to that voice telling me to make contact with her.

Take advantage of the nudges the Holy Spirit gives you. Step outside of your comfort zone and follow His lead in these moments. They can change your life forever.