Do something for somebody every day for which you don't get paid.
- Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, musicologist, doctor

Ever caught up with a friend only for the friend to say something like, "Say, guess  what I did today?" and they go on to tell you of ALL the good things they did  today. On and on they go...I got coffee for the boss, I let an elderly person have  my seat on the bus, I gave $5 to a homeless person...etc. What are you thinking  while you are hearing this? Or do you do it too?

It is a wonderful thing to do kindnesses for other people. God knows, there are  more people in this world who need a kind smile, a helping hand, a quarter to be  able to fully buy bread, etc. And in these economic times, more people than ever  need kindness in their day, even to that of a simple smile.

What about you? Do you ever do something kind for somebody? Perhaps make up  a casserole for a family who just lost a loved one; babysit for a couple who have  not had a free moment since their new baby was born and not charge them for it;  hug a child who has had a tough day at school; share your strengths with others  who are down; offer a listening ear without saying a word so the person knows  you care? etc. It's great if you did. But what did you do afterwards?

If you went out and told your friends of all the good deeds you did, or went home  and bragged about what you have done etc., then you have already received any  reward you deserve. The best gift you can give yourself is to not brag about how  you have helped others.

On the other hand, if somebody asked you what you did for the day, it is okay to  mention it. Just don't linger on that topic.

Bragging about good deeds done is a sign of pride. It can be a sign of needing  affirmation for what you do, even if you are a good person. No good deed goes  un-noticed. There is always somebody watching. Perhaps that person will learn  from your example and go on and do some good deed for somebody that same  day. Be the leader in example, but not in bragging.

You may never know if you have helped somebody and other times you are going  to be very aware of it. It's what you do with the knowledge of what you have done  that matters. If you feel good about yourself and think, "gee, I'm a pretty good  person," immediately makes you proud. It is good to feel good about what you  have done, but it is not good to feel puffed up about it - and there is a fine line  between the two. If you can find that find line and stay on the humble side of it,  you have random acts of kindness aka RAK down to a humble science.

Don't tell others of the good you have done - many, including God, already know.

 
Saving someone from hurt is a wonderful accomplishment that will be  rewarded...either on this side of Heaven, or the other. I'd rather the other side.
 
Being there for someone when they have lost a close friend or a loved one is one  of the best gifts you can give. Be there when they need you, give them the space  they need to heal.
 
Reading to the blind or to a child is a great gift to and for them and you will gain  from it as well.

Choose your RAK, but keep it secret, lest you lose your true reward, which should  lie in the hands of God.
 
Just as I am held in God's arms, so are the good deeds I have done...unless I  have already received my reward by talkingn about them.
 
He sees all, He knows all, so why spoil it?