“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Recently, my husband and I popped into a local restaurant for an evening meal. Seated in the booth behind us were three teenage boys. I would guess they were no more than 16 or 17 years old. I noticed that they seemed to be having uplifting conversations while they ate. Besides the fact that one of them was dressed in a tuxedo and the others were in jeans and polo shirts, nothing else seemed unusual about the group.
We were almost finished with our meal when the young men got up to leave. The young man in the tux walked to our booth and laid a $20 bill on the table. He said, “I want to help pay for your meal tonight.” We both had shocked faces because this act of kindness had come unexpectedly. All we could say was, “Thank you so much!” ‘That is so nice of you!” “God bless you!’ I did ask the young man his name, and he told me it was Cory. Then, he and his friends wished us a good night and left.
I am pretty sure that most of us have “Paid It Forward” before, but when it happens unexpectedly, as it did with us, it is such a great reminder that there are still good people in this world who want to do nice things for others. Additionally, to see a young person do an act of kindness restores my faith that we have some great young people coming up who will always be caring individuals, passing that same trait to their children, and so on.
It might not be that you’ll pay for someone’s meal or some other act of kindness today, but there is no doubt that all we need to do is look around, and there will be opportunities to do good as we maneuver the daily traffic lanes of our life.
It was very special to receive an act of kindness from a stranger. I am thankful to have been reminded that God uses people for good. I prayed for Cory that night and still think of him. I would love to have been able to tell those raising him that they’re doing an excellent job of teaching Cory the important things in life.
Prayer: Dear Father, You continue to amaze me as to how You work in the lives of Your children. Thank You for Cory and his giving heart. Thank You for reminding me that You own the cattle on a thousand hills and that You love to give freely to those who seek after You. Please lead me to those who will benefit and be encouraged by a good deed done for them. I have always found that it is I who receives the biggest blessing. I’m so glad it works both ways. I pray if Cory doesn’t know You that the dear Holy Spirit will cause his tender and compassionate heart to seek Your ways. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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