SALT LAKE CITY — Sometimes we need reminders to look outside of ourselves and serve others.

Each week, we ask readers to share their positive experiences, whether it’s a child doing the right thing when nobody is looking, a stranger paying for a meal or people giving up their time to help somebody move. And, every Monday, we publish the real-life experiences that have touched you. Hopefully, they also inspire you to reach out to others around you.

Kindra F.

On the reward of giving service:

“Last December I went to the car wash and got in line. It was a sunny, Saturday afternoon so a line quickly formed behind me. The car that was two cars ahead of me soon entered the wash.

“The car directly in front of me pulled up to the automatic teller to pay. I noticed a young man in his 20s getting in and out of his car and I could tell he was getting frustrated. Soon he came up to my window and asked if there was any way I could back out because he needed to get out of line. I asked him if the machine was broken. He got embarrassed and explained that the machine doesn't take cash and that was all he had with him. I sympathized with him and told him that I'd be happy to pay for a car wash for him. He was shocked and tried to explain that that was not what he intended but that he was happy to give me the cash he had. I told him not to worry about it and to consider it a small Christmas gift. I swiped my card and asked him to pick the wash he wanted and I got back in my car.

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Uplifting section

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“After he chose the wash, he turned and waved while he mouthed 'thank you' and got back in his car. All of a sudden I felt this amazing feeling flood over me. It was a combination of one of the best natural highs I've ever felt and the feeling of a huge weight off my shoulders. I was very grateful that he allowed me to help him. And I can’t wait to feel that feeling again.”

Annette B.

On hope for the future:

“On April 6 we were traveling through Nephi coming from St George for the weekend.

“We stopped at a fast food restaurant in Nephi to get out of our car and get some dinner. My husband is in a wheelchair and I was pushing him inside. A young man was in the passenger side of the drive-thru getting his order saw my problem getting into the door and got out of his car and came over to help me. I thanked him and noticed that he was wearing a wrestling T-shirt from Juab High School.

“I was very impressed that this young guy would come to my aid that night. The future is in good hands with youth like this young guy.

Robin S.

On a son’s service:

“One night as my son was driving home on the freeway from work in Salt Lake City. As he passed an exit he noticed on the other side of the freeway there was a lady who had a flat tire on her car and a highway patrol officer who had stopped to help.

“He took the exit, got back onto the freeway headed the other way so that he could help them out and changed the tire. I am not sure what they thought about the whole situation but as his mother was pretty proud of him when he told me the story. He is always looking for ways in which he can help people with no thought about himself. It was another moment where I knew that at least I did something right in raising him. He is a hero to me and to many other people that he has helped out during his lifetime.”

Christine C.

On setting an example of service:

“We were driving past the I-15 interchange at 500 South in Bountiful and saw a man on the sidewalk with a cardboard sign asking for money. While we waited at the light, a young man walked up and gave the man a sandwich and drink. His face lit up and he smiled widely as he talked to the young man for a few minutes. As the young man walked away other motorists gave him thumbs up and the older man happily sat down and ate. The happiness on his face and the act of kindness from a stranger warmed our hearts. “

Tamara L.

On solving a problem with service:

“I went to a Chevron in Provo to wash my car and I couldn't get the machine to take my money. I started backing out of the wash entrance and a very nice male employee ran over to me and said 'Have a free car wash on me today!' and gave me a code for the wash.

“It was a good way to start a Monday and it still makes me smile whenever I think about it. This is just one of many acts of kindness and consideration I see every day. People are so good.”

Have you seen any moments of service or kindness? Do you want to share a story about something that made your day? Email a brief story (100 words or fewer) along with any photos or video to crosenlof@ksl.com.

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