Home » Blog » Inspiring Stories » People Helping People » The Ripple Effect of an Act of Kindness

The Ripple Effect of an Act of Kindness

Guideposts blogger and Angels on Earth editor Colleen Hughes shares how a simple act of kindness made someone’s day–and hers.

An act of kindness can make someone's day
Credit: Getty Images
Unlock a world of inspiration right in your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters today and get uplifting insights, powerful stories of faith and more delivered directly to your email.

I often cut through the market in New York’s Grand Central Station on my way to the commuter train home. The loose spices and teas, the fish, the meats, the breads and cheeses–all are as wonderful as Grand Central Station itself. There’s always something yummy to taste, and the other day I stepped over to sample their lentil hummus.

“I love love love your ring,” the young woman who spread some on a cracker for me said. I had to look at my finger to remember that I was wearing my blue ring, the one from the drugstore. It was inexpensive to begin with, and half off, and I halfway liked it, and when my prescription was ready I put the ring on the counter with it. I’d only worn it a couple times since.

“Anything blue, I love it,” the woman said. “It’s my color.” There was a line forming behind me, so I thanked her for the hummus, and the compliment, and went on my way. But the schedule board showed a train delay. There was just enough time to run back to the market.

“Enjoy it,” I said, handing over the drugstore ring.

The woman beamed. “Really? This makes my day.”

I don’t know what took me so long to do the littlest thing for somebody, because, boy, did it feel good. What was your favorite random act of kindness?

Read More:  7 Simple Acts of Kindness

Share this story

Mornings with Jesus 2025 book Right Rail Ad

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top