The Pay it Forward Pledge

Photo Credit: Bethan/Creative Commons

Don’t you just love those God-ordained feel-good moments? You know the ones. That pat on the back. That word of encouragement. The little gift that you’re not expecting. Those quiet pay-it-forward kinds of things that others demonstrate toward you that make you think You know, that just made me feel so good, I really ought to do this for someone else.

In fact, it’s those pay-it-forward efforts that sometimes leave the biggest impression.

Where I live, there’s a radio station that sponsors what they call “the drive-thru-difference.” You can download a special note from KWND (otherwise known as 88.3 “The Wind” FM) and leave it with participating businesses around our area. The idea is to bless the next person waiting in the drive through line behind you by paying for their meal, drink, or food item. It could even be dry cleaning or other things, I suppose. (Click here for an example of the note.) I’ve not participated yet, but I really like the idea. Maybe you have a radio station in your area that does something similar.

I think we should always seek to bless others. In fact, when we encourage folks by paying-it-forward, we actually receive a blessing, too! See how that works? Isn’t that awesome?!

I don’t share much of what I do because I believe that departs from the intent of the blessing, but I will tell you about an instance that happened to me several months ago.

I was in hurry one morning as I ordered a tall cup of hot, black coffee and a scone from my favorite coffee shop in the mall. I dug out a gift card to pay with and handed it to the young woman at the cash register. 

“Oh, no ma’am. You don’t need to pay.” She smiled. “An hour ago someone bought a gift card for X amount of dollars and said to use it for the next 10 people or however far it would go. You’re the last recipient.”

The gesture warmed my heart and I gushed my thanks. “Wow, that’s just so nice! I really appreciate it.” Then I had an idea… “Here. Use my card for the gentleman behind me.” I only had a few dollars left on it, but I thought it might be enough to pay for part of his order, if not the entire thing.

I grabbed my coffee and scone, bid the coffee shop barista a good day, and turned to go. I’d almost made it to the department store about a hundred feet away when an older man called after me.

“Hey, Miss!”

(He was possibly in his seventies so maybe I did pass for a “miss.” That in itself made my heart do a little handspring.)

“You left before I could thank you properly,” he told me. “You’ll never know how that made my day. It’s the nicest thing anyone’s done for me in about three years.”

Of course, being the tender-hearted soul that I am, his words melted me. “I’m so happy that it encouraged you, sir.”

“Well, it did. And it did more than that, too. See, I have blood sugar issues and I needed a little snack. You’re my angel today.”

Ahhh. Happy tears.

Here’s the thing: Maybe today or sometime soon, you could pledge to pay-it-forward, too. It doesn’t have to be something big or even monetary. It might be some creative token of kindness that God impresses upon your heart. It might be a home cooked meal for someone. It could be a handmade card or help with a chore. It could be a “Retweet,” “Share,” or “Like.” Whatever you choose, you can bet it will be appreciated.

(And by the way, thank you, Beth Vogt, for your kindness this week. You have blessed me!)

March Giveaway! (A lovely, leatherbound journal and $10 T.J. Maxx gift Card)

And now…Just a reminder about my end-of-the-month giveaway. Don’t forget, every time you leave a comment your name is entered into the drawing for a chance to win. Click here for rules and further info–just scroll down to the end of that post.

Here’s to a super weekend! And remember–Pledge to pay it forward!

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Have you been encouraged by a pay-it-forward?

How do you bless others?

Photo Credit (of girl above): Bethan/Creative Commons

Tweetables:

Take the pledge that will bless (and a giveaway!) (Click to Tweet)

Why it’s the pay-it-forward moments that make all the difference. (Click to Tweet)

Happy Friday and Blessings Always,