Quora Question: What is the best thing that has ever happened to you for being nice?

It was December 2008 in Austin Texas, a few days before Christmas, and I was driving to a service call at a client’s home at the end of the day.

While waiting at a busy intersection, one of many in Northwest Austin, a guy in a wheelchair came rolling down the side of the road holding a cardboard sign. I rarely give money to panhandlers, but it was cold outside and none of the cars in front of me gave him anything, so I decided to give him a little something for Christmas.

I reached for my wallet, rolled down the window and waved him over. As he came closer I could see he was probably my age, his legs missing below the knees and his sign said something about being a disabled veteran.

There was only a $100 bill that was folded in half in my wallet, so I reached out and gave him the $100 right as the light turned green. He thanked me and wished me a Merry Christmas, to which I replied “you too”, quickly driving away before becoming emotional.

During the remaining drive to my client’s home all feelings of frustration and unhappiness with my life faded away, and I sincerely prayed that he would find some peace and happiness in his life too. I also reflected on how ironic it is that when we help others, we feel better...

After about an hour I had fixed the client’s malfunctioning entertainment system, just in time for family arriving that evening. She thanked me for coming on such short notice, and asked me to give her an invoice so she could pay me before leaving.

As I was saying goodbye, she handed me a check to cover the invoice, and then reached in her pocket and handed me a $100 bill, folded in half, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

This is not “the best thing” that has resulted from being nice. However, it does clearly illustrate that, at least in my experience, we lose nothing when we help others. It always comes back around, sometimes almost immediately, and in the same way…