Last Sunday evening, a friend stopped by for dinner after dropping her husband at the airport. She brought her most current Blue Apron meal. We cooked together, one of our favorite things to do.

While we were talking and cooking in the kitchen, outside the house…some book thief took all the books out of my Little Free Library. Every single book. In broad daylight.

My Little Free Library has been set up for almost a year now, and it’s been more successful than I could have imagined. As often as twice a day, someone will drop by to borrow or return a book. I’ve met so many nice people in my neighborhood through it. I live near a park, so there are lots of walkers and joggers down my street. It’s become a little community hub.

The Little Free Library organization prepares you to expect such problems, and not to let it defeat your purpose or discourage you. A few months ago, another book thief took most of the books, but not all. After this wipeout of all the books, I did feel discouraged. But…not defeated.

I posted the theft on our Next Door loop, just to let the community know. The next morning, I went outside and found this:

All new titles, all kinds of books! I got teary when I saw it. Some Good Samaritan had refilled the library. My heart felt full of light! Ah, the power of goodness and kindness. So much more powerful than the darkness.

Have you ever had an experience like that? Please share in the comments! I treasure your words.