Today I was the recipient of a very random act of kindness.  I went to eat lunch at a well-known downtown eatery and simply ordered soup and some bread, along with my usual hot water and lemon.  I proceeded to have a perfectly contented lunch, enjoying the great soup and doing a crossword puzzle.  It was a no-stress lunch.   After I had nearly emptied my bowl, my already gracious and attentive server, Montel, asked if I'd like another bowl of soup and some more bread, to which I replied, "sure!"   I had previous experience with this restaurant offering a free soup refill (though it didn't happen all the time), so when Montel asked, of course, I was happy to accept.  By the time I finished my second bowl of soup and some more bread, I felt quite comfortable and full and ready to get back to work.  I let Montel know that I needed my check when he came by to pick up my empty dishes.  It was then he said, "It's on the house."  I actually protested with him, but he insisted, saying I had just had soup and lemon water, so there would be no charge and that I shouldn't protest when something kind is done for me.  Of course, I couldn't argue with him and thanked him.  Montel then asked me to "pay it forward," which I knew I'd have no problem doing.  So, I left him with a "God bless you" and a tip.   I'm still smiling this afternoon while thinking on his kindness.  I think this particular instance had made more aware than any other that this really was a random act of kindess, made all the more random by the fact that I didn't actually appear to need the extra kindness.  It was obvious that I was employed (I had told Montel that I needed to get back to work), I was dressed in a suit - so he could logically deduce that I wasn't living on the streets, and it was obvious that I was under no stress which would signal to someone that I needed an extra dose of kindness.   But as I further evalulate my definition of "needing" extra kindness, I realize that kindness is in fact needed by every one of us, regardless of whether we are in dire straits or suffering through bad times.  And, if we think we don't actually need kindness except when we are truly "in need" (i.e. bankrupt, ill, without work, lonely, depressed, etc.), then we do an injustice to the act of kindness and show a sad ingratitude to those who act kindly toward us.  So, thank you, Montel ... you've not only bestowed a simple act of kindness upon a stranger, but you've opened my eyes to a greater understanding of how powerful kindness is to each and every one of us, and made me understand even more how random and unexpected kindness has the power to change the world.

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