BETWEEN THE LINES: RANDOM KINDNESS BRIGHTENS ANOTHER'S DAY

Ever since the office began talking about Random Acts of Kindness week, I've been trying to think of a nice thing to do for someone else.

Then, I realized that if I planned the kind act, it wouldn't necessarily be random. The point behind a random act of kindness is that it's completely unexpected, and often undeserved.

Just recently, I was the recipient of a kindness act. But it wasn't anything that was planned, and it was performed by a complete stranger.

I was traveling along Interstate 55 on my way home from Memphis late one Saturday night when my car broke down.

I don't have a cellular phone in my car, so I couldn't just call for help. Because the car wouldn't start, I had no other choice but to walk to a service station or pay phone.

But the closest phone was several miles ahead. There's not really too much along the interstate between New Madrid and Sikeston. I was really stuck.

I had only walked a little way when an truck driver pulled over to offer me a ride.

I know all the things people say about truck drivers and not getting into a car with a stranger, but I needed some help. And he offered.

He and his girlfriend or wife -- I don't even know their names -- took me to the nearest truck stop so that I could call my family for help.

They didn't want money and declined my offer to buy them a cup of coffee in return for their help. They were just being kind.

After my mother came to pick me up, we returned the favor to another stranded motorist near Benton.

It was nearly 1:30 a.m., and the woman had a flat tire on her return to Sikeston. We dropped her at Scott City so she could wait for a ride.

Although it seems rather inconsequential to offer another person a ride, it was important at the time.

It was a simple act that required little planning or effort. And it helped someone else out.

But this wasn't the first time, I needed a ride after being stranded on the highway. And again, complete strangers picked me up and took me to a phone.

About three years ago, I was stranded on a cold December day near Hermann. A truck driver took me to a rest area but there wasn't any place to wait inside. He couldn't stay with me but another couple who were traveling home for the Christmas holidays took me farther down the interstate so that I could wait at a gas station/restaurant.

People aren't always willing to offer help because it inconveniences them. I'm certainly glad each of these people decided to help. If you don't offer your help, how can you expect anyone else to do the same when you're in need?

I was raised in a family where we were taught the Golden Rule: Treat others like you would like them to treat you.

It's not just a matter of being kind to people you like, but to people you don't like. Everyone deserves some respect and gratitude.

Share your kindness with others. It might just brighten their day -- and yours, too.

~Laura Johnston is a copy editor for the Southeast Missourian.