KINDNESS: One cup at a time

As part of my job at the Northern Lakes Fire District in Hayden, I was out doing some inspections recently when I stopped for a hot cup of coffee on a rainy day. Upon paying, I was told that “someone” had already purchased my drink. I inquired from whom, but was told that they had asked to remain anonymous. This was not the first time this has happened.

I wanted to share with the community that this generous gesture is greatly appreciated and quite humbling. Working in the fire service is a reward in and of itself, while serving others is both an honor and privilege. To all those wonderful neighbors (there are many of you out there who do this for others), please know how truly appreciated your kindness is, especially in these socially and politically charged times. Your simple act of generosity causes a pause in one’s busy day. An opportunity to reset, take a breath and look about and see what a special place and time we live in.

Passing it forward is something that I always try to practice, especially when someone surprises me out of the blue like today. If you have done something kind for someone recently, you have made the world, if just for a day, a better place to live.

JIM LYON

Hayden