The Kindness of Strangers

I get a variety of responses from strangers when the kids and I head out to do grocery shopping. Most are the usual: "Oh, they're so cute..." "Look at that hair..." "Wow, guess you're done..."  I've learned to smile sweetly and roll with whatever comments we receive, graciously making a quick exit if people get too nosy or too touchy and staying to chat for a minute when we can with the nicer folks. But today I got an extra wonderful compliment from a complete stranger, who must be a mother herself...  The kids and I pulled up to the noodles as she was making her pick. As I parked the stroller with one hand and the cart with the other, she looked up and the usual adoration began :) :) After telling her their age she said, "They're so content! That is the evidence of a well-planned morning."  And there it was. Right in the middle of the pasta aisle. A compliment from a random stranger, that provided me the exact amount of encouragement that I didn't even know I needed. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers!