Pay it forward
I should be changed. It should be the highlight of my week. It’s definitely something I need to take notice of and not take for granted. This week I was the recipient of a pay it forward gift. In the hours and days since then, life continued. But I don’t want to let the busyness of life, nor my apathy allow it to pass without comment.
My mornings are crazy. Not only do I have to get myself up and ready, I have three kids going to three different schools to get ready. Hubby has already left for work at 5:45. And some of my children are NOT morning people. I’ve chosen to give them as little time as possible for fighting and piddling, so from the minute I wake them at 6:30 it’s rush, rush, rush to get out the door. I usually take middle child to school for morning intramurals, but on Tuesday I had to take all three to school. My oldest had to be at school early and I can’t leave the youngest to catch the bus on his own. I pass the Elementary school first, but I can’t drop off before 7:30 so I have to drive up to the middle school and then high school, then back down to the elementary school. After three drop offs it’s time to begin my commute to work…whew! So I decided to stop at the Quick Trip for a morning treat. I didn’t have a lot of cash, so after I got my drink, I counted my change to make sure I had enough. I shoveled past other busy people and got in line. When I got up to the counter, the clerk told me the guy in front of me paid for mine. I glanced toward the exit and the man waved and walked out. At first I was a little nervous. Was he expecting anything from this gift? Did he intend to persue a conversation or even a relationship? I was in a hurry! But I did need to say thank you. I hurried out the door and called after him “THANK YOU!” The man said “you’re welcome,” and told me that last week a lady in front of him paid his bill and when he thanked her she just said the only thanks was to pass it on. I told him I appreciated it and to have a nice day. He got in his car and left.
The bill he paid was about $2, but the intent was priceless. I wonder if he paid my bill because I was counting my change, or if he just decided today was the day before he came in. Was he helping me because I looked needy? An instant of pride made me want to run back in and pay my own bill. And then I felt and understood all about receiving and accepting an underserving gift.
We have all been offered an gift we do not deserve. Regardless of whether we knew we needed it or not, a sacrifice was made on our behalf. It’s appropriate that right after Easter, I have been given such a touching example of receiving an undeserved gift.
Easter is not just a celebration of an event that happened 2000 years ago. In 2009 we celebrate that God loves each of us so much. Each day we celebrate that Jesus decided to pay it forward on our behalf so that our sins are forgiven. All that he asks is that in return, we love one another.
A simple, kind act can make a world of difference. It all comes full circle again. Watch this: lyric video of Israel Houghton’s”Power of One.”
