Early in my life, there was a song that we sang in church with the lyrics, “…Can’t keep it to myself”.  Today, I had one of those rare experiences that touched me so deeply that I have chosen to share with the hope that you will engage these words from the heart of the matter.

This afternoon, we were on our way to a holiday gathering at the home of a friend and we needed to call in an order for the things that we were bringing.  A cheerful soul named Linda answered and took my very detailed and specific order.  (If you have ever shared a meal with me then you know what I’m talking about)  She repeated the order back to me and asked if there was anything else?  I replied as I usually do, I’ll take the six winning lottery numbers please.  She chuckled and we both lamented about not being named the big winners in the most recent Powerball drawing and both pledged that as often as we are reminded we will to play to win.

When we arrived to pick up the order she burst through the door with great excitement and came to the window and asked for me by name.  I waved her over to my favorite spot in the vehicle; the passenger side.  She had the biggest grin on her face and said, “I have great news for you”.  My reply; “Tell me what you’re telling me!” She told me how she had Chinese food for lunch and after placing my order, she noticed her fortune cookie on the counter and wanted me to have it because lucky numbers are printed on the back side of the fortune, and since I had asked; I should have them.  Each person in the car was stunned and amazed by this act of kindness.  I thought of how when one experiences a bad customer service moment; the story of it gets retold over and over again for years.  This for me was a great act built upon something so small and I choose to share it with you all during this Advent Season.  When I opened the fortune, it read, “Your deepest desires will be made so”.  In that moment, that was good news.

So we gathered up our order proceeded towards our destination, but not without a slight detour to stop and purchase a lottery ticket.  As I stood at the counter, I was reminded that every unexpected act of kindness is really love and grace in action.  So, I purchased not one, but two tickets and we went back to the restaurant to see Linda who thought there was something wrong with the order.  Instead we explained that the greatest things in life are only great if they are shared.  So if these are the winning lottery numbers, then we will win together.  She laughed until she cried.  We laughed cried until we laughed and away we went to enjoy our holiday festivities.

Even as I type this and remember the events of this fine day, I realize that the message of this Advent Season is really one of great surprise in that we never know what is coming our way.  We know what our desires are and this day, I know just a little more of the divine desires in my life through the manifestation and personification of seemingly random acts that touch my soul.  It is my hope for each of you to know more of the same in your journey in such a way that just can’t keep the goodness to yourselves.

Peace & Blessings

Kathy