One evening at Waffle House, my 5-year-old son, Josiah, noticed a homeless man outside.

He asked if the man had a home, and when

I explained he might not have food, Josiah eagerly invited him inside to eat with us.

Josiah ordered the man the biggest burger and insisted they pray together before the meal.

The small act of kindness moved everyone in the restaurant.

Eleven people, including the truck driver and the waitress,

left extra money for the man.

As Josiah chatted with him,

the man shared that he had a son who would be Josiah’s age and that this kindness gave him hope.

Before we left, Josiah gave the man his own red hoodie, and the man, deeply touched, accepted it.

As we left, the other diners sat with the man, showing him respect and compassion.

Later, Josiah asked if he’d done a good thing.

I kissed his forehead and said, “You did a wonderful thing, sweetheart.”

He smiled, already planning to do it again the next