There's always time....

I share this next post not to brag but just to share some good experiences in hopes that they will be contagious and inspiring to others and to myself as well. I've noticed lately that if I'm not careful I tend to focus on myself a lot. I've been praying for opportunities to get out of myself and for the desires to do so as well.

Yesterday I was at Lowes and the lady in front of me had a bunch of plants and then decided to buy a bag a of soil. Her cart was full so she opted to come back to get the soil. I bought my things and was loading them into my car and had the thought that I should go back and get the soil for her. I looked up and saw her loading the things in her car and almost got in my car to leave. Then I thought it again. So I went back, told the clerk what I was doing then took the bag to her. I got it to her just as she was finishing loading her car. She was very appreciative and thanked me over and over. I felt so good and thought about how easy it was and how it didn't take that much time. We could all do something like that.

Today I was getting gas and bemoaning the fact that the numbers on the gas tank were flipping so quickly. I saw a young man pull into the gas station and saw him approach another man who was filling his car. He obviously was asking for something and I saw the man brush him off. Realizing he was coming for me next I tried to avert my eyes and look as interested as I could in the gas that was going into my car. He asked if I had a couple bucks for gas and I told him I'd put some gas in his car for him. He was ecstatic and told me how thankful he was, how he didn't care if it was money...he just needed the gas. I put $20 in his car because I can barely afford to fill my tank let alone another. I apologized for not being able to do more but he was excited and said that would do him for a little while until he could get on his feet. He thanked me and drove away.

Again, not a huge deal but it was fun and I was glad to be able to help someone who appeared to really need it. My goal is to do this more often. I challenge all who read this to do the same. How great would this world be if we all did simple acts of service for one another just because....It made me think of my favorite movie - Pay It Forward, a movie about a boy with a dream to change the world simply by having people help other people. The link below has a short music video to the movie and the final song, "Calling All Angels" which makes me bawl. If we really took this concept to heart...to constantly be paying it forward...because we're so blessed.....how much greater would this world be...

Pay It Forward Clip