Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons, often when we least expect them. Recently, I decided to embrace positivity, even amidst the storm of challenges swirling around me. I mean, who doesn’t love a good plot twist? So, buckle in as I share my weekend road trip to Toledo, complete with bathroom compliments, unexpected rides, and a sprinkle of divine intervention.
A Clean Bathroom and a Compliment
First stop: the gas station restroom. You know, the unsung hero of road trips. It was clean—not fancy, but clean—and I felt compelled to share my appreciation with the attendant, who, let’s be honest, probably hears more complaints than compliments. Her face lit up like a Christmas tree, and in that moment, I realized that spreading positivity doesn’t always need a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a kind word.
And let’s face it, when you’re navigating life’s messiness, a clean bathroom can feel like a little slice of heaven.
A Ride with a Twist
Another weekend adventure: I encountered a young woman in her twenties who needed a ride. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Stranger danger!” But something in me decided to throw caution to the wind. As we drove, she shared her struggles, and I revealed my own recent mishap—losing $1,000. Cue the tears, right? But here’s the kicker: instead of wallowing, we exchanged hope and laughter, like two unexpected allies in a comedy sketch.
Before she hopped out, I offered to pray with her. I may not be a model of perfection, but I’m no stranger to faith. As I prayed, I felt like a stand-up comedian trying to deliver a punchline in a heartfelt way. She thanked me, and I drove off thinking, “Maybe God is up there chuckling at our little detour.”
A $10 Blessing
The next day, I stopped at Goodwill hunting for DVDs for my son, Noah, who loves anything that dances and sings. While browsing, I made a joke about how surprised I was that a younger guy knew what DVDs were. It was light banter, but then he handed me $10 to buy DVDs for Noah. My initial reaction was to decline out of pride, but then I thought, “Why not accept this tiny nugget of kindness?”
Losing $1,000 stung, but that $10 felt like a million bucks—a reminder that kindness often comes back around, even if it’s not in the form we expect.
Praying for Enemies (Seriously?)
On the radio, I heard a message about praying for our enemies. Now that’s a tough pill to swallow! It’s easy to love those who love us back, but what about the ones who throw shade? I chuckled at the idea of getting “revenge” tattooed on my arm instead of Proverbs 11:10 (…when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy). I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of irony?
But seriously, it’s a powerful reminder. Hatred and resentment are exhausting. They weigh us down like a bag of bricks, while kindness lifts us up like a helium balloon. I felt proud to declare that I’d rather celebrate the defeat of negativity than dwell on my own grievances.
Connection at Walmart
Finally, during a pit stop at Walmart, I struck up a conversation with an employee about my son’s stay at an inpatient facility. She shared that her grandson has autism and is nonverbal. We connected over our shared experiences, and I requested to pray for her and her grandson, Kelvin. It was a beautiful moment—a reminder that we’re all navigating our own battles.
What I’m Learning
- Kindness is Contagious: Little acts of kindness, like complimenting a bathroom attendant or sharing a laugh with a stranger, can create ripples of positivity.
- Embrace Vulnerability: Sharing my struggles doesn’t make me weak; it connects me to others.
- Accept Help: Sometimes, accepting kindness is the best way to honor it.
- Pray for Growth: Whether it’s for enemies or friends, prayer is a tool for growth—not just for them, but for me too.
- Celebrate the Good: Focus on the wins, no matter how small, and let go of the grudges.
So, as I continue on this journey of spreading positivity, I’m learning that laughter and kindness can light the way, even when the road gets bumpy. Life is too short to take it seriously all the time, so let’s choose joy, embrace the absurd, and pray for our enemies—because, let’s be honest, they need it more than we do!
Thank you for joining me on this journey! I hope you found a nugget of wisdom or a spark of joy in my adventures. Remember, kindness often leads to unexpected blessings, so let’s keep spreading positivity together. Have a fantastic evening! 🌟
5lb Purpose 