The Kindness of Making Someone's Day a Happy Day

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
― Albert Schweitzer
 

After a very long day yesterday, I finally made it home close to midnight.  Through bleary eyes, I saw a small blue envelope on top of the mail pile.  My name and address were neatly written by what looked like a young person's hand.

I was delighted and surprised to find that it was a thank you note from one of my daughter's friends.  The week before, this girl had celebrated a special day in her life and I had made her a dip that she likes.  She was so thoughtful in her note.  She thanked me for taking the time to make the dip and then said:  "It made my Happy Day truly a Happy Day."

Thank you notes are rare and at the same time they can seem perfunctory, but we never know how they will impact the recipient.  They seem to have a funny way of arriving precisely when we can use a kind word.  This girl's thoughtful kindness not only brightened my day, but also inspired me to be more diligent in my expressions of appreciation and to continue to encourage that in my children.

This very special girl made my day a happy day!