I promised I would write a few essays about our summer season of giving, and I hope this is simply the first thought I will share! I just returned from a few days away on silent retreat, followed by a few days of vacation. We had the opportunity to spend a few days in the amazing city of Chicago…and it was sunny and in the 70’s the entire trip, pretty amazing for late June…a random act of kindness from God, no doubt! We had many great moments in the Windy City, including one evening of dinner at a delicious sushi restaurant (Yuzu Sushi if you’re in the neighborhood). While eating an excellent dinner, two of Chicago’s finest walked in to the restaurant and eventually were seated several tables away from us. The police officers were taking a mid-shift dinner break, and remembering the many challenges of serving their community, especially in the summer, and remembering our theme of “A Summer of Giving,” I asked our server if it would be possible to pay for the officers’ dinner and also not be identified as doing so. She was very happy to help us give this gift to the officers and it was fun for us to watch them leave the restaurant, glancing around, wondering who kindly provided them dinner. The chef came by and thanked us, and told us the police officers were very thankful too. Our server was so happy to be part of the random act of kindness that she gave us a special dessert, on the house…her random act of kindness to us!

After returning from vacation, I saw an interesting news piece on the evening news – a man who has been cutting people’s lawns throughout the United States. He has successfully helped people in all 50 states! Now, that’s an incredible series of acts of kindness!! If you would like to see the video of his story, click this link: Video Story.

I hope you are enjoying your summer and I hope you have been inspired to participate in our “Summer of Giving.” I know you will have fun sharing your time and gifts with others and will enjoy sharing your stories just as much!