Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Unexpected Blessings

This week my husband and I are with our church team in Baldwin, Louisiana at the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) mission (Sager Brown) where we worked during June and July.  Last night we went out for dinner to a nearby town to eat at the local diner.  Jerry and I always try to eat here at least once while we're here because we love their fried shrimp.

There were six of us from the mission, most in UMCOR tee shirts so we were easily identified when we entered.  We all ordered and were waiting for our food when the waitress came back to tell us that our meal had been paid for by a woman who was a regular patron of the diner.  Ms. Sheila always pays for an UMCOR group if they come in while she's there - she does it often.  We have no idea who Ms. Sheila was since she did not identify herself and had already paid and gone when the waitress came to tell us.  What a wonderful blessing and surprise for us!  We left a thank you note with the waitress to give Ms. Sheila the next time she comes in, but also with a determination to "pay it forward."  It's fun thinking about ways we can do that and I've thought of several already - but I'd love to hear some suggestions from ya'll.  What would you do to pay this forward?  And I'm wondering if we all could determine today to do some little thing to brighten a stranger's day....just think how many blessings that would be!

11 comments:

Nancy said...

What about taking the amount of money it would have cost for dinner and buying some canned goods for the local food pantry? Or better yet, buy the things they don't usually get donated...like female products, bath soap, clothes soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc...

What a wonderful gesture..

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Yes, take the cost of your dinners and either donate to a pantry or to Red Cross -

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Love those first ideas. Anything your mission could use?
I just love kindness.

Michelle said...

That is wonderful. I know you will think of something!

Arkansas Patti said...

What a marvelous lady she is. I am sure the perfect situation will present itself and you will recognize it immediately.
Random acts of kindness are the very best.

The Mayo Family said...

How sweet!
We when most of our children were lil-were eating out at a A & W when a gentleman who was leaving stopped to thank us for having these sweet children & how well behaved they were...he shook my hubby's hand & said have a blessing on us! In my husband hand he put several bills that more than covered our meal! :)
We were speechless as he walked away & thanked him best as we could! :)

Yes, they'er are so many ways to bless back, some that God allowed us to try & are aware of is....
if you know that someone is short & wants to attend a specific 'camp-conference' (pay it ahead) etc....or someone has a car in the shop & you know (trust) the mechanic (pre-pay on the bill)
a box of needed items to a family is always a blessing, we have at times left them & had another deliver them from the "LORD" as it is better to do that at times!
A gift cert for eye exam/glasses etc...
Whatever the blessing....if one does it to the Lord it will be a blessing to whomever receives it!
That is so sweet & thanks for sharing this with others!
Blessings to you~
~Lori

Julie Fukuda said...

I really understand the feeling because it happens to me often. The money to attend the choir retreat, the tolls to get to the womens conference, the left-over food from Scout camp, things I enjoy but never could afford just coming my way. The only thing I have to pay with is my time and energy and sometimes that is also in short supply. I love seeing the ideas of others.

Gmama Jane said...

I LOVE to allow folks to get in front of me at the check -out line especially if I have a full cart and they have only a few items. I love to watch the stunned look on their face and my answer to them is always,"Just pay it forward the next time you're in the same position". Most everyone happily agrees to do so! It costs me nothing but a little extra time and means so much to that mom in a hurry with a fussy child. My favorite is to let the grumpy ones get in front of me. They always seem so flustered. Paying it forward is really great fun!
Love your generous heart!
Blessings
Gmama Jane

Love Bears All Things said...

I heard someone speak of doing this....The person who paid for your meal received a blessing from doing so..we all should look for ways to give back to others...
Mama Bear

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

This happened to me one time, however it was in McDonald's drive up line and I had just ordered a mocha.
The lady left her church card with the clerk and told her to tell me my breakfast was free. Darn why didn't I order the big breakfast that day??
It sure made my day either way!

Carolyn said...

Stories like that just do my heart such good and show that there still ARE good,kind people in the world when all we hear is negativity. I think it would be nice to pay for another person's meal or at the grocery store, put a certain amount toward the person behind you in lines bill. Talk about them being shocked! You have such a kind heart that I have no doubt that you will come up with the perfect thing, Miss Jane! Hugs!