Paying it Forward!

Today started like any other "normal" day, with the exception that we have company AND I actually COOKED a hot breakfast this morning (instead of the usual granola bar, pop tart, microwave "buffet". Ha!)!  Jarred's mom & Darryl came for the week last night to help us get some of the bigger projects done around the house (i.e. putting together the pergola & the sprinkler system).  The wood for the pergola was delivered yesterday (3 days ahead of schedule!!!).  How cool is that!

There it is... all 1,600 pounds of cedar!

Well, over the years I've outgrown my love for breakfast... probably has everything to do with the fact that I'm in NO WAY a morning person.  I munched on my usual granola bar and set out for a morning run.  The wind has FINALLY stopped blowing!  Yipee!  No more "virtual hills" to run.  My spirits were high and the temperatures were perfectly cool so I had high hopes of setting a new personal best today.  AND then came the rain!!!  About a mile into my run it started sprinkling, then drizzling, then rain!  Ugh.  I'm definitely NOT a "seasoned" enough runner to do that, so I headed back home and cut my morning run in half. 

I was disappointed, but after a shower I headed to town and decided to stop at Starbucks to cheer me up!  I pulled up to the window and the cashier just handed me my coffee and said, "It's already been taken care of!  The lady in front paid for your coffee!"  How awesome is that???!!!! I've heard of this happening to people before, but I've never been blessed like that!  I was in shock and drove off feeling like I was living in a bubble of how God had originally designed life to be!  Then it hit me!  I didn't "pay it forward".  I couldn't let this good deed stop with me.  So it was time to get creative.  My next stop was Target.  Now you're talking my ULTIMATE good morning!!  I had my "happy juice" (grande mocha) in hand, heading into in my favorite store, ALONE!  I kept looking for ways to bless someone in Target.  Nothing was jumping out at me, so I just prayed for God to give me an opportunity.  After an hour and acquiring MUCH more than I intended, I headed on. In my defense everything not on my list was marked with a little red "clearance" sticker! LOL!!! 

Walking out of the store, I saw it!  Clear as day, the "opportunity" I'd prayed for!  There was a lady, whom I've seen many times, digging in the trash cans in front of Target.  Walking to my car I dug through my purse to find some cash.  I had none!  Ugh Great!  Here I was, I asked for someone to bless, she literally walked in front of me, and what was I going to do?  Just use my "lack of resources" as an excuse??? NO!  Not this time!  I'm all about confessions (In my blog anyway.  So much easier to not do it to someone directly! LOL!)  I've been convicted of helping a homeless person before, but I've NEVER acted on it... EVER!  I've refrained from eye contact, walked out of my way to not cross paths.  I am ashamed, but I have always been skeptical.  You know, you hear the stories of the people that stand on the corners and make hundreds of dollars a day.  Anyway, that was then, this is now.  I got in my car, looked at the clock and it was noon.  I headed across the street and ordered some popcorn chicken, fries and a large lemonade, drove back across to Target and pulled up alongside the lady.  Shaking I got out.  I placed the food in the stroller she was pushing.  She said, "I don't want your food."  I told her, "This is not my food.  I bought it for you!  God bless you!"  I turned and walked away but she wanted to talk.  I can't imagine how lonely a homeless life must be.  We chatted for a bit, she thanked me, and I left. 

Well, that's it.  Probably nothing out of the ordinary for most of you.  But today is another day I'll always remember.  I laid another prejudice to rest in my life.  I pushed past my pride again and it feels just as wonderful as it did on Monday!  Thank you Lord for showing me your grace, and for the lady in the blue car (who bought my coffee) that inspired me to continue to walk with the Spirit that lives inside me!

Have a blessed day!