During the holidays, I was happy to learn that a good friend who lives in another state, was the recipient of a gift from a Secret Santa.

My friend was shopping in a big Kroger store when she was approached by a young, nicely dressed young man. He handed her an envelope and told her it was a gift. She thought it was an envelope with coupons in it since people in that area often hand others coupons they don’t need.

She tucked the envelope in her purse, and she and her husband finished their shopping and went home.

When she got home, she decided to take a look at the “coupons.” It turns out it was five $20 bills. Was she ever surprised?

At first, she didn’t know what to do, or why she was handed $100 in cash. It worried her and cost her some sleep that night, she says. The next day she received the Shopper and read my Secret Santa story. It relieved her mind, and I’m glad it did.

Was it one of the Kansas City Secret Santa’s helpers who were out doing his gifting this Christmas since he is unable to spread his good cheer as he usually does? Probably, but even if it wasn’t, it was someone who was apparently doing a random act of kindness. Either way, no doubt it was a welcome gift.

Why do I mention this? Two reasons: 1) The Shopper gets around this country to a lot of former residents. 2) I wanted to remind you that this idea of a Secret Santa is something we can all do in our own way each year-throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

As I think about random acts of kindness, I believe that if we all truly loved our fellow man as much as we love ourselves, we’d show it in our everyday lives. Is there someone in your neighborhood that is barely making it on their own? Then look at their situation and see how you could help. Do you know of children who really need new shoes or a winter coat. Why not purchase those items and give them to them-no strings attached, no questions asked. If you can’t afford new clothing, so to a charity outlet, buy good used clothing, wash it and take it to those kids.

My late husband was one of those people who often gave to others less fortunate. I can’t tell you how many times he would take things from our house and give them to someone who needed it worse than we did. Once he learned of a very poor family who lived nearby (people he did not know) and bought school clothes for those kids-including shoes, pants, shirts, sweaters and underwear. I think a few coats were tossed in as well. He didn’t ask why they were poor nor why the parents couldn’t take care of them. He just saw five or six children in need and acted. No one except the recipients and I ever knew of his deeds. That is how he wanted it. Yes, he tithed. He fully believed in tithing and was faithful in doing so. However, when he saw someone in need, it didn’t matter to him what their religion, color or station if life.

That’s what I think is the principal behind Kansas City’s Secret Santa, who is no longer secret. Giving is the Christian way of life or should be for all of us, but too often we get this feeling that “I’ve got mine. Now you get your own.”

I urge you to commit a random act of kindness in your area. It doesn’t have to be cash. It could be your time and energy, your love or your intellect.

Whatever you have to give, give generously. God has been generous to you. Pass it on.

Quotably Quote: “Love cannot be wasted. It makes no difference where it is bestowed. It always brings in big returns.” Unknown.