R.A.K. and the Payback Plan

I hadn't ever seen this acronym: R.A.K. but I recently experienced it Wednesday morning when I stopped for a diet coke refill on my way to work.  I filled my lime green insulated mug and stood in line to pay for it.  The gentleman ahead of me was quickly joined by his co-worker (they had on the same HVAC company shirts).  the gentleman at the front of  the line said he'd get his buddy's drink and chocolate do-nut and then added, "I'll pay for her drink as well.  What is that a 44?  A 64?"  He was indicating me with his head.  His smile was a big as all get out.

Once this kind gesture was recognized--it was morning, I was slow--I told him that wasn't necessary.  he said "Not much is necessary.  I'd like to pay fro your drink.  How big is your mug?"  That goofy grin only got bigger on his face.

I'm sure I was awkward and flustered and probably even blushed.  I stammered out that it was a 32 ounce mug, and a sincere "Thank you so much" and the two happy heating and air conditioning guys headed to their truck.

Paul, the local Gas 'N Sip cashier, who is delightful in his own way, mirrored the silly grin and wished me a very happy day.  I returned some kind of greeting and floated out to the car.

I'm pretty sure the gentleman who bought my drink would agree, but that was the best 95 cents he spent that whole day.  I was absolutely tickled that he did that for me, a total stranger.  And that he did something so simple with such sincere kindness was so meaningful to me.

I thought about it all the way into work.  In fact I was a little flustered still when I go there, thinking about this generous man who paid for my diet coke.  Small and simple things make big differences.

The thought stayed with me all day that he did this without obligation or expectation.  He did it because, from the looks of it, he enjoyed surprising people at the local Gas 'N Sip.  He probably felt so good about that!  He should, after all.  But maybe he didn't think about it again.

I couldn't stop thinking about it.

I've had people do nice things for me  before.  But these were friends, family, loved ones.  I have the best friends, family, and  loved ones.  They do wonderful things for me all the time.  And I do try to reciprocate those kindnesses.  But that was the difference.  This wasn't reciprocation.  This was a Random Act of Kindness.   R.A.K.  And RAKs deserve to be paid forward.

At work, I received a phone call from a good customer who had a small part on their wheelchair break.  She asked if I could just order the replacement part for her and drop ship it to her where she could fix the problem herself.  It was an easy fix.  After my Gas 'N Sip surprise experience I thought, I should be able to help this lady somehow and surprise her with a RAK of my own.

So I did.  And when our driver stopped by with the part she needed and no invoice or bill, she asked what she owed us.  He was pleased to tell her "Nothing!"  He said she smiled a big goofy grin at him.

The world would be a much happier place if we each passed on a big goofy grin.

Golden Rule

I wish we saw more of this. I don't think you must live among the Amish to see this sort of neighborly assistance, but this w as a dramatic way of seeing the Golden Rule in action.

Happy Sabbath, everyone.

Follow Up

The thoughts on civility I shared last week must be on every one's mind lately. Sherry, another Dear Friend, at Platt's Pack (a private blog) also wrote about respect and kindness that week. You know things are going to the dogs when it is also the topic of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's weekly broadcast "Music and the Spoken Word".

I got on an email newsletter list with the MoTab at some point and end up with a weekly little note from/about/regarding the news of the choir. In today's message was the following summary:

Music and The Spoken Word
Delivered On: October 19th 2008 Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
Civility and Respect

"Can you recall a time when someone treated you with particular kindness? Maybe it was a stranger, smiling as he held a door for you, or someone who sincerely asked how you were doing, or a person who was patient with you during one of life’s rough days.

"Genuine respect is not easy to find, and it surprises us when we encounter it. Today it seems civility is waning, as people push and shove, bark and shout, replacing etiquette with attitude. We are so unaccustomed to the respectful language of eras past that old movies and old letters often seem stilted and old-fashioned.

"We can’t turn the clock back and live again in a time when respect was expected, but we can try to stem the tide of rudeness and disrespect, simply by being polite and respectful. Even small acts cause a ripple effect that can inspire others, because those who receive courtesy are more likely to extend it.

"It may be something as simple as complimenting someone for a job well done. It may be listening to someone who is down-and-out, granting him the same dignity we would give someone of high social rank. It may be extending extra patience to the elderly, to the disabled, and to children. Whatever the act is, it works best if we try to see others as their Creator sees them: as people of value, people with immense potential, regardless of their current station in life.

"An ideal place to start is in our homes, where we can strive to hold back the rudeness of the world and through our example teach our families a better way.

"There is beauty in civility and respect, and that beauty is worth preserving. It takes such little effort, yet it can have far-reaching effects. Let us fill the world with these shining, never-to-be-forgotten moments."

Now that is a message we can all get behind. Try it. Smile at someone trying to run you or your walking carpool over on your way to school. Offer to help an elderly neighbor. Hold the door for someone at the Gas 'n Sip. People are surprised by genuine kindness. So mix it up today! Surprise someone with your genuine kindness. Maybe we would all feel a little better about our society if we did.