This weeks blessings are courtesy of the strangers who pay it forward.
A young woman was at the cash register in the grocery store with her two children and forgot her wallet. As she was fumbling to find her wallet, she was saying how she wasn’t sure she would be able to get home because she also needed gas.
The gentleman behind her in line put his card in the machine and paid for her groceries, while I handed her twenty dollars for gas. It wasn’t a lot of money for either of us, and he and I both, explained it wasn’t a big deal.
After she grabbed her groceries, she begged to go home and come back to repay both of us, but we weren’t having it. The man said to her while looking at me, “Pay it forward.” I smiled and agreed. She smiled back and promised she would.
This happened a few weeks ago and I was reminded of it today when I was in the drive-thru at Starbucks. The car in front of me paid for my drink. No one was behind me and so my iced macchiato cost me nothing. Now it’s up to me to keep the cycle going.
The rule I try to live by is that I expect nothing in return for my generosity. I’m just paying it forward. It always comes back to you in one form or another. Sometimes, we all need a little help.
For some inspiration, here’s a video that I have had bookmarked to help remind me of my responsibility.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJeWFoKZ63U
May the blessings of the Creator be upon you and don’t forget to pay it forward.
Sonoran Conservative 
MJ – This brought tears to my eyes. It’s good to be reminded that there are so many decent people in the world, and you are one of them. May God bless you and the rest of our “horde” of friends. 😉🙏🏼
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Amen.
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I try to explain to people that generosity and quid pro quo aren’t the same. Neither is reciprocal altruism as far as I’m concerned. However I firmly believe it helps make a better society if we all practice all three when appropriate. In fact, that will be a discussion in a philosophy class I’m teaching this semester. It will come when we deal the the Greek philosophy notion of “the magnanimous man”. Students almost never “get” that concept and I’m hoping the discussion will help clarify.
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I would love to read the reactions of your class during the course.
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On a couple occasions, I have had my bridge toll paid by the car in front of me going in to Philly or Delaware. I try to find ways to keep it going.
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