Crazy how things happen when they do. After my post earlier today about being kind to strangers and helping others, I had the opportunity to practice what I was preaching.
I was making a quick run to the grocery store to get a few things for dinner, when a truck rolled up behind me at a stop light. An older gentleman got out, and walked up to my window. In my head I was freaking out because you never know about some people these days… but he motioned to roll down my window, so I did… an inch. (I’m smart like that.)
He told me that he and his wife were running to get her paycheck to cash it so they could fill their truck up with gas but they literally just ran out of gas as they pulled up to the light. And could I give him a ride.
Uh…. Momma didn’t raise no fool. I was not about to give a stranger a ride, but I did offer to take his gas can to the gas station and fill it up.
He was immediately grateful and then his face turned down as he admitted he had no cash to pay for it until they cashed his wife’s paycheck.
Well, to save us all some time, I offered to take the gas can and fill it up for them. On me!
They were blown away by my offer. So for only a few minutes of my time and $8.00 I was able to help out a couple who was in need. They were able to make it to her work to pick up her paycheck, cash it, fill up their truck, and get her back to work in time for her shift.
They were both so very grateful. They asked how they could ever repay me. I just smiled and said “Pay it Forward.”
Not only did it make their day, but what a story I got to share with my children when I returned home.
An example for them to follow.
So I will close with a few thoughts….
- NEVER LET YOUR GAS TANK GO BELOW 1/2 A TANK, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER! (My dad always told me that.)
- ALWAYS TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP A STRANGER (if its safe) BECAUSE IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU… at least that is what the wife assured me as I handed them the container of fuel for their truck.
How will YOU… Pay It Forward?
