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.