semi-random act of kindness

Thursday is one of my cousin's, Kale's, birthday. The idea came to me a few weeks ago to make him cupcakes. I didn't know what kind to make. I didn't want to ask him directly because that would tip him off. I decided to try calling his office and asking his receptionist - he's a dentist. A great one too and I used to be mortified of dentists before going to him. If you are in need of a dentist and are in the Everett area, check him out... Kale Eckland, Everett Family Dental, www.everettfamilydental.com - anyway back on topic.. I talked his receptionist, Shannon and she seemed puzzled by the question and was like, um, I don't know.. so I decided to pray and ask. The kind that kept popping up in my mind after that was white cake with chocolate frosting. At first I thought, no that's my fav kind and tried again. Each time I asked, the same kind kept coming to me. I made that kind first thing this morning and took into his office. I left it with Shannon, she said that he'll love them because he loves sweets. I thought that was kinda funny, but registered it as a new piece of info learned about him.

As I was driving back home, I got a email from him thanking me. It made me really happy knowing that something simple like making someone cupcakes as an early birthday thing would make them happy. I enjoy making others happy. Especially when they don't expect it.

As soon as I read his email, I felt elation fill me and instant warmth from the Holy Ghost. I couldn't stop smiling. It felt really great :)

I've been thinking about President Monson's talk during the Christmas devotional that aired Sunday 12/4 when he is talking about the book, The Mansion.. thinking about people who do things looking for recognition and not out of the kindness of their hearts. I realized I used to be like that sort of. I know thoughts like that occur to me every so often. I know they are wrong, so I don't do it. Now I like to work more in the background of things. Do something nice and then walk away or purposely not be present when they find it. Maybe find out later from someone else if they found it and what happened. It kinda makes me uncomfortable if I am present when they find it. Seeing they joy and surprise is cool, but at the same time its kinda like I did it just for the heck of it, not for the purpose of thanks.

When I used to work at Centurylink, I used to buy one of my friends the occasional bottle of water. I know its not big, but it made her happy so I enjoyed doing it. But I liked to time it so she would be away from her desk when I placed it and I would be away from my desk when she found it. That was fun.

When I left Centurylink, I wanted my bosses to know that I was leaving for my own reasons and not because of them. So on my last day, I made them little origami hearts with a note attached thanking them each for being good bosses. Then I left and made sure I wasn't there when they found them. I found out the next day when my friend texted me and she told me how they loved them and it made each of them really happy.

When my Dad gave me money to get my car, I had funds left over. My roommate, Mike, was in desperate need of clothing, shoes, etc. He had been exceedingly nice to me with staying here, even after we broke up, and by continuing to drive me around, even though he had no responsibility to me. He went out of his way for me just 'cause that's the kind of person he is. So one day I went up to him and told him that I'm taking him shopping. He was surprised and tried to refuse insisting he was fine. I knew he wasn't fine. I insisted on  taking him and getting him what he needed.  That was a great and fun day. I loved it. I didn't care about the money, it was that he had what he needed and wanted. I kinda feel like it doesn't pay him back entirely for what he's done for me. But its a start.

I caught flack for it at the time from people and may still. People were/are like.. you took your EX shopping??.. do you still love him or something??.. what's wrong with you??

Its not like that. Yes we were together for a year, and it was a kinda rough breakup.. but people get too stuck in that. Outside of that, he's my roommate and my best friend. Its not weird. Its not what people like to insinuate. Do I love him? As a person and a friend, yeah, I have love for all the people I care about. Beyond him being a friend and roommate, NO. What's wrong with me? Depends on what you think could be wrong... I don't think there is anything wrong with me.