Pay It Forward

 Several years ago the tradition of Pay It Forward was popular.  I thought that act of kindness was no longer being practiced.  A few weeks ago, while in line waiting to pick up my favorite, fattening, unhealthy beverage, I tried to hand the cashier my money.  She said, "the lady in front of you paid for your drink. Would you like to Pay it Forward to the car behind you?" My first thought was to glance in my mirror to the car behind me, hoping it wasn't a van full of people. But, without doing that, I agreed to Pay It Forward.  My Grandmother used to tell me it's better to "give rather than receive."  I know she was trying to teach me a valuable lesson, but to a child's selfish mind, I'm not sure I believed that concept.  As I drove away that day, two things occurred to me.  The thoughts I had when I realized the kindness of the stranger in front of me, and the way I felt when I was able to return the favor.  Sharing kindness...what a concept.

I would like to see more people, Pay it Forward, however,  realizing the economic times we are in, that may not always be possible.  Sitting in my office one day, reading my devotions and Bible another thought, and concept came to mind.  I thought what would happen in our world if rather than Pay it Forward, each and everyone of us Pray It Forward?  In other words not just the car in front of you, behind you, beside you, but each time you are waiting in line somewhere.  Or sitting in the doctor's office, waiting to be called inside. At the grocery store.  The opportunities are endless.  We can pick one person, and PRAY for them.  The beauty of praying for another person is two-fold.  You are lifting them up to our Heavenly Father, and you stop thinking about the issues you may be facing yourself. So it's a win-win! Have a blessed week, filled with God's Grace, and Pray It Forward!

Deuteronomy 4:7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? (NIV)