A Small Act of Refreshing Kindness

Today, my favorite tea spot let me down. Maybe the mix was wrong or the water was not fresh. Whatever the reason, the taste was so bad, I ended up dumping the 64 ounces I’d purchased.

Later, at the dining room table that’s served as my office since I’ve gone back to fully remote work during Omicron, I relayed the story to Susan.

“Why do you like the tea there?” Susan asked.

I thought for a moment. “When done right, it’s fresh. The water it’s made with tastes good. And, oh, I really like the crushed ice.” I said.

I went back to answering emails, reviewing reports, and coaxing projects along, vaguely aware of Susan’s busy kitchen activity. Minutes later, she presented me with a fresh, delicious, homemade glass of iced tea, poured over ice she’d crushed herself, from a full pitcher she’d brewed. Delicious.

It may seem like a small act of kindness, but it meant so much to me. A refreshing surprise. It was also a reminder of how we can make a difference in each other’s lives by the simplest, intentional actions.