SALT LAKE CITY — Small moments can make a day beautiful.

Each Monday, we hope to share moments from our readers’ lives that made their day great. Whether it is a kind note from a loved one, an act of kindness or a person with an inspiring attitude, we want to hear about it.

Ned and Audrey Knaphus

On sportsmanship:

“Thursday night was our Pinewood Derby Race. As the gate dropped, the handmade cars zipped down the yellow four-laned track. Each of the carved blocks made it across the finish line with ease, except one (belonging to a boy named Adam). Many of the dads jumped at once to find the graphite powder to sprinkle some special racing dust. Adam's car was placed on the track again only to make it three quarters of the way. All gathered in to turn the wheels and add some more of that special dust.

“Third time's a charm, usually. Zipping down the track, the hand-painted graphics and detailed derby stopped 3 inches from the finish line. Adam was crushed and visibly distraught as his last hope stopped short of the blinking lights. He was told he 'truly had won' because of his best effort given and that he tried, and tried again, but it wasn't enough for him. He quietly left before the awards were given. His amazing car won 'Best Paint Job.'

“Later that night, a fellow Scout knocked on his door in the dark of night and handed him a sack with a warm cinnamon roll, saying, 'You did a great job tonight and I really liked your cool car.' As he left, he just smiled. He had just taken his Tooth Fairy money to buy a goodie for a friend that felt defeated even though he truly was a winner.”

Jimmy Carter

On a wife’s loving support:

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What if we said every good thing that came to mind?

While walking through the halls of my high school, I was suddenly hit with an idea. "What if we always told everyone our kind thoughts, even if we don't know them?"

“I sat last Friday evening with family, who were attending to my brother Mark's last night after a 16-month battle with esophageal cancer. It wasn't the fact that family and friends visited and said their goodbyes that made a difference; it was my brother’s wife, who tirelessly massaged and lifted his tired and aching legs as he struggled to get some comfort. She massaged his back when the cramps would become almost too much to bear, and the only comment she would make was, "Aren't you glad you married a massage therapist?” And all this with a light smile to her face. He passed away Saturday afternoon.”

Maurine Ashby

On small acts of kindness:

“Each morning my neighbor down the street picks up all the newspapers that are in driveways on his walk to work and put them on people's front steps. It's such a simple little thing but such a thoughtful act of kindness that it inspired our family to try be more aware of people's needs.”

Margaret Messervy

On going the extra mile:

“My 15-year-old granddaughter wanted to surprise one of her teachers with a balloon for her birthday. The customer service desk at Walmart, where the helium balloons were blown up, did not open until 7 a.m. It was 6:45 am, and she needed to be at school at 7. We couldn't find an employee to explain our dilemma. When Isaac walked in the store we asked if he worked there, and he said yes. We told him what we needed, he said he would find someone, couldn't, said he would do it, made the balloons, and checked us out, although he wasn't working as a clerk.”

Erica Corry

On paying it forward:

“A while back I was having a pretty bad morning. Things that shouldn’t have gone wrong, did. I was running late for work and in the middle of a line up at the Starbucks drive through. I pulled up to the window to pay for my items and the barista told me that the car in front of me had already paid for my drink and food. That totally made my day. Thank you to all the considerate people."

Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email crosenlof@ksl.com.

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