The story I’m going to tell here just happened last night. So let’s just say it’s oven fresh. hold for laughter

Anyways, this story is a small and simple one, but to me it speaks deeper about the unexpected power of kindness.

So, last night, my brother and I had just finished up at a church event and decided to drive through Taco Bell before hitting the road home. We pull up to the drive thru window, browsing the menu and deciding what we wanted, and soon enough we were greeted by a very friendly voice over the speaker box. As this friendly voice took and repeated back our order, I was struck by how happy and kind he sounded(especially considering we were in a drive thru late at night). So as my brother and I pull away from the speaker box and head to the window, I turn to my brother and tell him how struck I was by the employees kind attitude.

We pull up to the window. We wait a moment. Soon enough, the kind employee that spoke to us over the speaker box opens the window and begins to tell us our totals. Then suddenly, he stops himself as he recognizes us and goes, “Oh, hey, you guys were really friendly. So, I’m gonna hook you both up tonight”. He then proceeded to give us each a discount off our totals. Seriously!? When does this happen!? Especially at a Taco Bell late at night!?

But alas, it did. Needless to say, my brother and I were so shocked and grateful. We immediately thanked him and waited delightfully for our food. Get this: after a couple of minutes, he opens the window back up and says, “Hey, I noticed you both didn’t order drinks. So I have a proposition for you. If you take this survey and give me a shout out, you guys will get some free drinks. Sound good?”. My brother and I agreed immediately. He then proceeds to give us the receipt for the survey, trusting we’ll do it later, and he starts taking our drink order and gives them to us for free. Again, really? Yes, really. My brother and I were amazed. And once we were given our food, we threw all the compliments we could at the employee and drove away happily.

If you’re wondering, I did take the survey and gave the guy a glowing review.

So, I know that this is a small story. I also know it’s nothing groundbreaking, as it was just getting some discounted food at Taco Bell. But at the same time, it was such a pleasant surprise from God. And what it showed is that we each were so taken back by one another’s kindness that we each went out of the way to do something unexpectedly kind for one another. I don’t know how that guy’s night was going before we got there. Maybe he was dealing with a lot of difficult people? And when we were ordering, I wasn’t even thinking about being kind, I was just focused on how kind he was. But that’s it. Often times when we go out of the way to be kind to someone, it can often be met with opposition or apathy. While our kindness shouldn’t be dependent on what we get in return, it can be hurtful and discouraging when those negative reactions happen. But sometimes, unexpectedly, even in a fast food drive thru, you never know the effect your kindness could have.

Sometimes, it result in some free food. But more importantly, it could turn someone’s day around and remind them of their value and joy in the world.