Saying A Simple Yes

Saying a Simple Yes

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

Proverbs 11:24, NIV

Sometimes I feel like I can’t make it out of a checkout line without someone asking me for a donation. Whether it be to support a children’s hospital or to fund a local ice rink, it’s commonplace to get asked to round up your change to the nearest dollar or donate extra money to a worthy cause.

For years, I felt awkward about this part of the exchange. Did I have to say yes? Was it rude if I said no? Would the cashier judge me if I didn’t support the cause? Then a few years ago, I saw a news segment where the commentator argued that checkout donations only really help big corporations. “They’re just another write-off for the company,” he argued. “It’s not like you get the credit for that donation.” His argument made sense to me, so the next time a cashier asked if I’d like to donate to their cause of the week, I blithely said no. I didn’t feel bad or awkward at all.

Fast-forward to our year of kindness. Suddenly, in my search for ways to practice one act of kindness each day, rounding up my change at the checkout or shelling out an extra dollar seemed like a pretty good idea. Instead of saying no, I began to say yes each time I was asked.

What I’ve come to realize is that neither response is inherently bad or wrong. The news commentator had a point, and yet I’ve decided to err on the side of saying yes. Why? Because we’re called to “give freely.” Because for me, it’s an easy way to cultivate a habit of kindness. Because I’ve found that when I’m willing to say yes daily in small ways, like a checkout decision, I’m more apt to say yes to bigger acts of kindness too.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

The next time you’re in a checkout line and the cashier asks if you’d like to round up your change or donate a dollar, say yes.