I found my vocation . . .

While at Rosy Mound Nature area the other day I was sipping my iced caramel macchiato while journaling at one of the picnic tables by the parking area. I overheard a couple gals who had driven in from Grand Rapids trying to figure out the parking fee box where $5. will spit out a daily pass to be displayed on the car dash to escape the $39. infraction fee. It wouldn't take a credit or debit card and the girls only had a ten dollar bill, which would issue them a pass along with 20 quarters in change.

I knew I recently had received some one dollar bills in change, so I walked over to the girls to see if I could be of help. I offered five of my six ones which they accepted with thanks and without further ado the fee box issued a ticket and they were on their way to the beach.

Another lady approached about the same time with only a ten. She and her friend scrounged up four ones and I exchanged my last dollar for quarters which sent them happily on there way. A mom and two sons walked up at that point and I assisted them with the use of the machine.

I went back to my journaling when the mom walked by stopping to thank me for the help. Then I heard the two ladies as they were walking pass the box heading out to the trail say to another visitor, "Do you need any help with that? Someone helped us, so we thought we would ask."

Later when I was finding my spot to sit on the beach, I passed the young gals from Grand Rapids. We exchanged a friendly hello and words to enjoy the perfect day. Later the ladies walked by me, giving me a smile and a wave with a "hello again."

It struck me how kindness multiplies itself once given - how easily it is reciprocated. I may be out five dollars, but the spirit of kindness was well worth it. It was a little thing, but it seemed to go a long way with smiles and friendliness.

(Maybe it's a sign for the "what's next?" in my life - "fee box attendant" OR maybe it's a cue that the township should make the fee box a bit more user friendly :)