“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
It is wonderful to be the recipient of an unexpected blessing. I have had that experience on two occasions in the past few months. A simple way to define “pay it forward” is that when someone does something for you, instead of paying that person back directly, you pass it on to another instead.
My friend and I were furnishing a room at our church for our home-school moms to relax between classes. After completing our shopping trip, we were tired and hungry. It was a bitter cold day, the snow was falling, the roads were slick and my friend had forgotten to wear boots. We struggled through the snow, got a table in our favorite restaurant and sat down to relax over a hot meal. A couple were sitting at a nearby table and the lady smiled at me. I thought she liked the fancy, sparkling mask I had worn, so I smiled back. When we finished our meal, we asked the waitress for the check. She grinned and said, “Your bill was already paid. The couple that were sitting over there paid your check. They do that often at this restaurant.” We were stunned! Did they see us pray before the meal? Did they think we were nice people? I don’t know! How often do perfect strangers bless others with acts of kindness? “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38.
In December, I had another incident of “paying it forward.” Our 26 year old grandson went home to be with Jesus. It was unexpected and a source of grief to the family. After Christmas, we got together to bury him in the family plot. After attending church on Sunday morning, we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch. There were 23 of us and we took up three separate tables. It was a good time to be together, very bittersweet as we remembered our missing grandson. One of our church elders and his wife were sitting in a nearby booth. As they got up to leave, we greeted them and waved goodbye. Later, we finished our lunch and asked for the check. The waitress said, “That couple you were talking to paid your bill, including the tip!” We were overwhelmed! All 23 of us? The elder and his wife had blessed us with a love gift! “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24. Over 2000 years ago, God “paid it forward.” He knew we couldn’t afford the sin-debt we owed, so He sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay our debt. “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
“Pay it Forward” chains are uncommon, but customers at a Starbucks drive-thru kept their chain going for several days. It started on Christmas Eve in 2013. The first customer paid for her drink and left money for the customer next in line. One customer after the next, paid for the next in line. The chain came to an end after four days and 1468 customers later! “You are the salt of the earth…..You are the light of the world….. let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13,14,16. We as believers are salt and light in the world and we should walk in love because Jesus is our example! God gave, followed by Jesus giving, and now it is our turn!
Your friend, Jean