What's twenty cents worth?
The other day I was in a hurry to get back across the border to be on yet another work conference call. The thought of it was more than I could take at that moment, or at least, more than I could take without a triple shot latte to soothe me. Odd, I know, that three shots of espresso would soothe me, but when you're a caffeine junkie like me, trust me, it's needed.
As I approached the coffee shop where I spend entirely too much money, I happily notice an empty parking space! "Yes, there is a God!" I think to myself, all the while knowing that my God doesn't quite work that way, but again, old habits die hard. 
Now I just needed money for the meter. I look in my wallet only to find dollars and pennies. The change holder yielded nothing more and the back seat and area under the seats were totally barren of any coins. Desperate for the latte but not wanting to risk a ticket, I was in a bind.
Now I just needed money for the meter. I look in my wallet only to find dollars and pennies. The change holder yielded nothing more and the back seat and area under the seats were totally barren of any coins. Desperate for the latte but not wanting to risk a ticket, I was in a bind. Only then did I see the cab driver parked behind me frantically motioning me to come over. Being from Washington, DC where you don't talk to strangers -- not on the Metro and certainly not on the street -- I slowly approached the passenger's side of the yellow cab. He held out two dimes. Enough for 8 minutes on the meter and more than enough time to get my triple shot fix. I offered him a dollar in return, but he wouldn't take it. He didn't want my money. He only wanted to help. Maybe he was a caffeine junkie too or just didn't want to give the city of San Diego any more parking revenue. In the end, however, his little act of kindness, reminds me that many people are inherently good, wanting to help their fellow man.
Three days later, I find myself still thinking about those two dimes. For me, it really is all about the little things in life that make a difference. Somehow, by receiving two small coins, I'm convinced that we can change the world. That we can help Haiti rebuild in a meaningful, sustainable way. That we can end discrimination. That we can ensure that people don't go hungry. What it will take, I'm not exactly sure. But I do know that it starts with each of us doing something, something small perhaps, but something.
You've just reminded me, Frank, on how important it is to do the very small things in our power to help someone. Those very small things radiate in very wide rings.
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Small things - like a recommendation - go long way. Don't think you don't already pay it forward for some of us. (Uhmmm...who is Beef Recipes?)
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Acts of kindness see rare now days. I know I could do my part more but I find myself wondering if people would appreciate it. I still remember getting lost riding my bike out in this small town. A large dog ran out of one the houses and started growling at me which caused me to reach for my mace. The owner came out and told his dog wouldn't bite but I ignored him and prepared to spray the dog. LOL, I'm glad I didn't because we started talking and when he learned that I was lost and had been riding around for most of the day he offered me a ride home because he knew exactly how to get back to my house. I'll never forget that someone offered to give a complete stranger who was about to mace his dog a ride home, lol.
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Hey I think what the Israeli army has done is really stupid.
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