The “Ripple Effect;” Kindness in Tough Economic Times

The morning news was getting worse by the day. More layoffs, job losses, cut-backs.  Local businesses closing their doors. The ripple effect of fear.  I went into our local dry cleaners. I had not seen her for several months, where we used to see her every week.  We had to cut back.  She was so happy to see me and I her. She is such a bright spot, with a lovely smile and a servant’s heart. Sorry we haven’t been in lately. Things have been challenging and we’ve had to cut back. “So many others have as well,” she said. “Some don’t even come in to collect their items, as they don’t have the money.”

I gave her my small order.  As she wrote it up she smiled “this one’s on me.”  I protested -no, no, no, you can’t!  “Yes, it is my gift to you. Consider it like taking you to dinner. You have been a faithful client for years.  It would be my pleasure.” I left there with tears in my eyes. Tears of gratitude, bathed in the warmth of human kindness. This “ripple effect” of kindness is much stronger and sustaining than the negative news. Love overriding fear. Gratitude healing the doubt.