"paying it forward is
lending a helping hand to someone in need.
it's making a huge difference by doing something small.
it's leaving the world a better place than you found it"
{pay it forward foundation}
My sister, her husband and little guy and our family went on a spur-of-the-moment-quick-out-to-eat-shopping-extravaganza- this weekend. We called ahead to one of our favorite restaurants to get our name in and long story short we ended up waiting
My punctual husband went and asked the hostess what was going on after like an hour of waiting and she said "oh looks like we accidentaly skipped over your number".
wait, what?
ugh.
{I think God was secretly working on teaching me patience which definately does not come naturally to me, especially not while trying to console/entertain a 9 month old in tight-quarters with empty bellies}
We finally were seated and got both boys in their high chairs and ordered. My brother in law started talking about how he heard on the radio about this 'pay it forward weekend' and how influencial that could be. My sister added that someone had actually paid for her lunch that day and she was revived to know kindness still existed.
Across from our table was a couple enjoying a meal together. I had overheard them talking on the way in that it was their 11th wedding anniversary. I couldn't help but notice the husband was reading his wife scripture from his worn out, underlined, and hi-lighted pocket Bible during supper. I was taken back by this scene. What a true man, what a spiritual leader. Wow.
We decided we would 'pay it forward' for them. A random act of kindness with pure intentions and nothing expected in return.
We were lucky enough to see there faces when they got their bill and the waitor had written:
"Merry Christmas, your bill has been taken care of"
The husband looked at the wife who grabbed the ticket and looked back at him like "what?!" I don't think they believed it at first, but the joy it brought them was evident. In turn this couple was so generous that they gave the waitor a $20 tip.
You see kindness is contagious like that, it has an infectious way of changing people and giving them hope and joy. It's a 'win-win' situation across the board.
I can't really play the "i'm-emotional-because-i'm-pregnant-or-i'm-emotional-because-i-have-a-newborn" card anymore so I guess I was just plain emotional. My heart felt giddy and thankful to impact someone's day. Even though I didn't personally know them I think our actions touched them, at least I hope so. I felt blessed to be a blessing. Don't worry,I didn't cry (in case you were wondering) my eyes were just a little damp... i have allergies you know.
I vaguely remember a sermon regarding doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. The pastor made the point how it's amazing when you help others what joy it brings to your heart. That is a feeling money can't buy. He mentioned that joyous feeling comes because when we help others without expecting anything in return we are doing the work God intended us to do and that my friends bring real joy...always.
Don't forget the impact one small act of kindness can have.
How can you 'pay it forward'?
That is so cool! :) Makes me giddy inside hearing that story!!
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