Patty Mayeux Blog

A friend recently received free groceries when the young man in front of her paid her total. Her first inclination was to insist it wasn’t necessary; she could pay, no help needed. But it was necessary. To him. Was it random? Maybe. Radical? Yes. How brave must one be to extend such an unexpected offer, knowing it will likely be refused? Why do we hesitate to accept free gifts? Maybe because it’s strange, invites the unknown, or hints at a deep connection. Or is it only because we don’t wish to seem weak? The best response is to put ego aside and honor the giver with a simple and heartfelt Thank You.

All the talk today is about evil people bent on harming others. Let’s turn the focus to the nice, generous, happy and joyful ones. Human kindness is far more prevalent than meanness. We only need to pay attention. Listen to stories. Look strangers in the eye and tell them hello. Despite doom-focused media reports, most of us strive to create, not destroy. What if we permeated the world with so many acts of loving acceptance they became commonplace, no longer deemed random or radical? A tiny pebble tossed into a stagnant sea will ripple and swell. May our small acts be so powerful.