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ADVICE RATING
 (Highly recommend) (Highly recommend) (Highly recommend) (Highly recommend) (Highly recommend) 4.81 (Highly recommend) from 16 votes (140 Visits)

CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

LisaPetrarca by LisaPetrarca Talking(January 2008) (rank 105th)

I went to work today and my boss said she had to tell me something and I have to say yes.  I said, "Not until I know what it is," I’ve learned my lesson in the past.  She said, "I am going to take you shopping for

groceries today for your family!"  I started to cry and told her, "No, I can't allow you to do that".  She said, "It's on my "bucket list" (things to do before you kick the bucket) to perform acts of kindness and you can't deny me my wish."  I cried more, hugged her and thanked her.

My husband and I have been praying and trying to have faith that we would be able to come up with enough money to buy groceries and make our house payment this month.  I have to tell you that it was an answer to our prayers. 

We went to the grocery store and she kept adding more things into the basket, despite my protests that it was already more than enough.  We had to get another basket just to hold all of the food.  We went to check out and I couldn't believe that the bill came to $500.00!  I had an instant headache because I was so stressed that she had spent so much money on us.  I hugged her and told her, "Thank you for being our angel."  

On my way home I stopped by another store (I had forgotten to get milk while we were shopping, I guess I was so overwhelmed...I forgot a basic necessity).  As I entered the store a homeless man was sitting off to the side of the store.  I wished that I had money to give him after the gift I had just received.  Once inside the store I remembered my husband's paycheck had just been deposited and the whole amount was supposed to be used for our house payment, but I decided to take $20.00 of it and buy him some food.  I had been given such an amazing gift, the least I could do was give to someone who had even less than I did.  I walked out and looked over to see someone else walking away after dropping off a box of pizza to the homeless man.  Wow, I thought what an amazing day this is.  As I reached him, he had just finished scarfing down three pieces of the pizza; he looked up at me and said, "Do ya want a piece of pizza?"  I was shocked...someone with absolutely NOTHING was offering me a portion of the small amount of food that he had just received.  I told him, "No thank you," and set the three small bags of groceries down. I ran to my car and grabbed a blanket that I had kept in there for an emergency (it was very cold out).  He said "Thank You!" He covered up and continued eating the pizza. 

Leaving your mark and making a difference in the world can seem like a huge task.  I have been privileged enough to have been the recipient of a caring person, a witness to the giving of others and a contributor to serving someone less fortunate, all in the span of a single day.  If a difference can be made in the lives of three people in a single day, imagine if everyone did an unselfish act for one person each day.  Whether it is helping an elderly person put groceries in their car, opening a door for a handicapped person or offering food to a person in need.  Kindness and love can change the world.......one person at a time.  Today is the day YOU can change the world, someone is waiting for you!

 

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ADVICE RATING
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angieh
January 2008 | angieh
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

That's a really sweet story. Thank you for sharing it with us.



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      LisaPetrarca
March 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

My pleasure Angieh!  We all matter and can change the world!



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Tadexpress
January 2008 | Tadexpress
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

A few years ago I saw the film Pay it forward, it inspired me so much I purchased it. Then I went into my favourite store and saw a purple sticker that says practice rancome acts of kindess, I put my work gear in the boot (trunk) of my car and so I read the sticker every day and like the movie it reminds me that acts of kindness random or not have a positive effect on all those who touch.

My sincere and best wishes to you all and to your boss who has given you this story to share with us, kindness in her case was substantial to you all, I dont know it may have been a drop in a bucket to her it may not have been but its like a gift, its from the heart and the cost is minimal compared to the gift she gave you.

Be it a smile, an opening of a door we should all take note of the random acts of kindness that people give us and return the favour when we can, a stranger, friend or work colleague may benefit more than you know from that moment in time and like this example spread a little more happiness into the world.



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      LisaPetrarca
March 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

It was definitely a blessing and my boss doesn't have a lot of money either so it was such an amazing thing for her to do.  But like you said, whether you have money or not...everyone can make a difference each day.  It's a change in your mindset and actually waking up in the morning and saying, "Who can I help today?"  It always gets your day off on the right foot.  Instead of thinking of how many things you have to do or how much you hate going to work (negative things)...you focus on someone other than yourself.  Just one minor "mind" adjustment each morning not only changes others life but brings joy to yours.

Thank you for your comment!



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nell18-3
January 2008 | nell18-3
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

What an amazing and inspiring story to make us all get out there and help someone

xx

 



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Thanks Nell....I was inspired through an act of generosity and in turn hope to inspire others to reach out to someone.

Luv,

Lisa



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Kellzacar
5.00 (Excellent) | January 2008 | Kellzacar
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Hi there,

As I sat here reading this I had tears in my eyes . . . you did a GREAT thing and you should be so proud of yourself . .  I strongly believe that by doing one small thing a day for someone else will will to make a better community . . . What happened to your was wonderful and a true blessing but what you did next was truly amazing and what life is all about . . .

Cheers Kellz



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Hi Kellz,

I am proud of my caring and wonderful boss who gave unselfishly  and in turn set the "heart of giving" into motion.  I am truly blessed!

On a normal day I would have walked right by and tried to not make I contact with the homeless person because so that he wouldn't ask for a handout. However on this particular day and after receiving my "gift", how could I walk by someone else with even less than myself.

It all began with one loving act of kindness which set a chain of events into action. WE ALL CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WE JUST NEED TO OPEN OUR EYES.

Thanks again Kellz...have a wonderful day! 



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janicepovey
5.00 (Excellent) | January 2008 | janicepovey
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

I sat here reading this with tears in my eyes & a warm feeling in my heart. You were touched by an angel & in return you were an angel to a homeless person. It doesn't take much to make a difference in someone's life and the reward comes back twofold.

" You can make a difference"

Cheers Janice



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

I always love to hear from you Janice!  You are also proof that YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  Your concern and friendship means alot to so many people here on Minti, you lift us all up daily with your "visits" and messages.

THANK YOU!



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blackwidowkate
5.00 (Excellent) | January 2008 | blackwidowkate
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Hi

Little things that happen on here that i read about and see make me realise that the world really is a wonderful place.

Pay it forward is a way we should all live

God provides for the sparrows of the earth and He provides for us if we let him. 

Sometimes the best things in life really are FREE

Luv Deb



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Deb,

I appreciate your reply and I am living proof that anyone can make a difference in the day by a single act of kindness.

 



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Myers72
5.00 (Excellent) | January 2008 | Myers72
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Wow...how profound and what a lovely blessed day for you! I bet today was a day that not only you smiled, but the Man upstairs did too. I think that's all He ever wanted, which is why He gave us our hearts. You used yours, and your bodd created a domino effect of goodness. The only thing that comes from good is good. GREAT article! Keep that and re-read it on your down days and I'll pray for your financial stability as well!! (I know how you feel)

Warm regards to you and your family



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Thank you for your wonderful response.  I think your right......kindness always responds with kindness, how could you not want to do for someone else when you receive blessings.  Thank you for your prayers....it means alot!



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cazza
5.00 (Excellent) | January 2008 | cazza
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

 

Lovely advise and its nice feeling when someone can help u, and you can help someone in return...

xxx cazza



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

I know Cazza....it is the best feeling just knowing that someone made a difference in your life and you can return the favor or as they say "Pay It Forward"!



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lillkatheryn
5.00 (Excellent) | January 2008 | lillkatheryn
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

I read this in your blog, and go glad that you made it advise too...It's so true!!!  Thank you for sharing this special day!



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      LisaPetrarca
January 2008 | LisaPetrarca
Re: CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A DAY?

Thanks.....I wanted everyone to know how they can make a difference to so I added the last paragraph summarizing the whole experience in hopes of encouraging others to remember that small acts of kindness matter!  You never know who is watching when you do something for someone else....it might create a chain reaction!



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