I’ve always been fascinated with the concept of “paying it forward.” There’s a certain magic to an unexpected gift. It’s fun to share the joy that you yourself have received. I’ve been the recipient of it a time or two. Not too long ago I stopped at a Dunkin’ Donuts very early in the morning. I was in the drive through waiting for my daily fix of iced tea (I don’t like coffee, and I am trying to limit my soda intake). I got to the window and was told the person in the car in front of me paid for my tea. It was a really nice start to my day.

But I have a friend who has taken this to a whole new level. The other day she shared on her Facebook Page a very intimate and inspirational post about a new tradition she has created.

Here’s what she wrote:

After I lost my parents a few years back I started a new tradition; on their birthdays, anniversary, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, if I am out and about or at work in the cafeteria I buy someone’s meal or coffee and let them know why and that they are my honorary mom or dad for the day. Last week on my brother’s birthday, I did it again because we live far apart and I can’t take him out. Today for my sister’s birthday I bought a woman’s lunch.

Let me tell you what joy it is, sharing just a bit is the love in my heart I have, and it never seems to run out. I ran into the lady again later in the hallway as they were wheeling her husband to the floor from ER. She gave me another hug and thanked me again. I think it does more for me than the person who is on the receiving end; I am reminded that no matter what went wrong today, or all that is bad in the world, I still get to make a choice about what I do and how I love people.

As you make your way through your day today, whom is it that will be your honorary mom or dad? You don’t even have to spend money. Maybe you could send a handwritten note or email. Bake them cookies. Pay it forward in whatever way you think is best. There will most certainly be magic.

How will you pay it forward today?