all it takes is a random act of kindness.

Have you done something today that brought a smile on someone else's face?

Sometimes all it takes is a random act of kindness, just like in the movie Pay It Forward. Well, without the tragic ending, perhaps. But no, I'm not talking about the movie. I'm talking about really doing something kind for others, out of the depths of your heart. Because you have no doubt in your mind that you should do this.

Earlier today, as I was finishing up my pedicure with Ate Merla, my parents offered some snack before they leave. (Ate Merla comes over every two weeks or so to do me and my mom's nails. Recently, she's been bringing her 14-year old daughter, Carla, with her as she is "in training".) So anyway, my parents offered some snack before they leave, and Ate Merla insisted on paying because the soda and turon and banana que comes from our little store. I told her she didn't need to pay because we offered anyway. So they (I went back into the house) snacked and talked for a while. Minutes later, Nanay is calling me to join them. So I did.

Turns out Ate Merla had this urge to pray for us before leaving. Such simple yet powerful random act of kindness struck me. I just about rattled as she was praying; I wanted to cry. Here was a woman with her daughter, and there I was with my mom -- coming from different walks of life.

I almost forgot that you can show a little compassion for others simply by keeping them in your prayers. Faithful Prayer is such a powerful tool. The best thing about it is that anyone -- rich, poor, middle-class -- are capable of doing this. We can all be blessings to one another if our heart wills.

Smile at strangers more often.
Pray for the safety of random people you walk by.
Send a nice text message to a friend.
Make people laugh.
Talk to strangers in the public transport.

What's your random act of kindness for today?