A few months ago, I was talking with a young professional man who shared with me a random act of kindness he had recently performed.

He was sitting at an auto service center having new tires put on his car. While perusing through a magazine, he noticed a woman and a small child across the room from him. They, too, were waiting for their vehicle to be repaired.

The young man paused to admire how calm the woman was with the child who asked incessant questions about characters in the story book she held in her lap. The woman gave the child choices about snacks options when the girl began to whine, and she very patient as she told her daughter the details of the upcoming day ahead of them.

"What a great mother she is" was the thought that crossed the young man's mind.

The mechanic came through the door and into the waiting area. He walked over to the woman and her child and ran down the list of repairs that her late model minivan needed. The total bill would come to about $200.

"Wow, I don't have money for all that "she said. "What must you absolutely do today to make the car safe to drive?"

The mechanic explained that at the very least, her vehicle needed new brake pads. The mother asked the price for this service, and then she lowered her head when he told her. "I only have $50 to my name until I get paid this Friday," she said. Will you accept that of I promise to come back on Friday after work to pay you?"

The mechanic nodded and said sure, that he would do what he could for $50. He told her not to wait too long to have the other work done because these other items were also important for safety. She smiled in relief and asked how long her car would be because she really needed to get to work. She had to take time off just to come in and have her car fixed today. The mechanic said he would get to it right away, and she thanked him with a big, appreciative smile. She pulled the little girl back on her lap, hugged her and went back to reading with her.

The young man said he just sat and watched this whole interaction. He was most struck by the mother's patience and love for her daughter. It appeared that she was working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. In spite of all the stress created by her van needing repairs, she remained loving toward her child. He thought about how blessed he was to have a good paying job, a wife who also had a good job and two healthy children. He did not have to worry about survival.

At that point, the mechanic returned to his desk and summoned the young man that his car had been fitted with brand new tires and was ready to roll. The young man asked how much his bill was and pulled out his credit card. He leaned toward the mechanic and said, "Do the rest of the work on her car and put in on my card."

"Are you sure?" the mechanic asked.

The young man smiled and said, "Oh yes, I am sure. But please don't tell her who paid for the work. Just tell her that all the repairs are done."

My eyes were filled with tears when I finished that conversation. I was so impressed with the young man's selfless action. His final words to me were, "Now, Mom, don't go telling everyone I did this. I don't want everyone to know. I just wanted to do something nice for someone who needed help."

For a long time, I didn't share this story with anyone in honor of my son's wishes. But I began to think that not sharing this story was keeping it under a bushel and not inspiring others to perform similar acts.

As the giving season approaches, may we all be reminded of our blessings and use our gifts to help brighten the world for others!