One Good Turn Deserves Another

Lily, a young girl and avid reader from Columbus, Ohio, apologized for biting off more than she could chew."

Her apology was tucked inside an overdue book she returned to the library. The book, Practical Rules for Cursed Witches, was one of 11 books Lily had checked out. She had two more books on her plate to consume, but when she realized this one was late, she made her way to the library and, along with her note of apology, she left a bit more kindness inside the cover: two $5 bills for her tardiness and inconveniencing the librarian.

Lily certainly loves to read, which makes her an outlier in our era of addictive 15 second TikTok and YouTube videos. She's also read enough to know that it pays to be kind and responsible toward others. For her act of kindness, the library called her in and returned her donation. After all, no library fees were even owed.

Brandon Thomas, the library's branch manager, commented by saying, "We see random acts of kindness every day, but to see a young person make such a pointed attempt to do the right thing, well, that really takes the cake."

Today, acts of unkindness are at an all-time high. It doesn't have to be that way. Lily is living proof. If you feel you deserve a little kindness, count yourself among the many—most of us do. But it's up to us to go first. To get, we must give. So, what small or big gift of kindness can you offer someone today?