Have you Paid it Forward today?

Disclaimer: I understand this blog isnt for my anecdotes about life, but there are some that are better shared with the ones I love. The story that follows should fill my rant quota for the month.

It has taken years for me to understand the importance of appreciating the things I have. I live a comfortable lifestyle and have very little to complain about. I have a car, clothes, food, and many diversions to keep my mind at play—and yet this longing to want more overwhelms me( and most of us). I was taken back by an incident at a gas station last night that forced me into a humbled state. After a long night of work I stopped off at a convenience store near my subdivision to grab a gallon of milk, as I was craving some tuna helper. I grabbed the cold plastic and waited my turn in the short line. I noticed two people in front of me, mostly because of their ragged clothes. The male in front had on torn jeans–and not the trendy kind that my Dad cant understand why my little brother continues to purchase. The girl with him was wearing similiar clothes and was his nestled closely to the man as he paid for gasoline. “Try ten,” he said addressing the cashier handling his debit card. She quickly told him it was declined. He then insisted that she try five dollars, and again it was refused.  My heart sank to the bottom of my chest–Its the feeling we get when at our lowest of lows our plastic refuses us and there is nothing we can do. What was I supposed to do?  As I listened to the pair debate how they would get home and what they were going to do–I  too was torn with my next move. I just stepped up and asked the clerk if she could just add the five dollars for their gas to my gallon of milk. She did without hesitation, but the two people seemed shocked. “Seriously?” they proclaimed. As they left they thanked me profusely until it was uncomfortable. As I got into my car with the milk dangling to my side–I heard the two talking “that was the most awesome guy ever!” I smiled–mostly at the absurdity of the thought–me cool ha!! As they bidded me one final thank you sir, I began to reflect inside my car. Why did I do that? Was there another way? Friends, I think it was the right thing to do. We need to have more gratitude for what we have, and should be willing to share our abundance with others—caught in a bad time. They were seemingly normal people–trying to make it work. So, last night I had an extra $5 to help a pair in need. I am no superhero and thats not the point. We’ve all found ourselves complaining about our situation—and rarely take the time to think about all the things we DO have. So,  whether it is time, money, creativity, or love–give freely and often. Have you Paid it Forward Today–You never know when you could be the benefactor of free-flowing compassion.