As I was walking through a parking lot on a recent trip, my attention was drawn to a gentleman who was walking nearby. He might have been a millionaire, but if so he certainly hid it well. I saw outward signs of poverty. Unclean. His countenance was cast down. No spark in his step and no sparkle in his eye.
For whatever reason, I felt a prompting to give him some money. He had not approached me. He did not ask for it, but I walked over to the man and said, “Let me bless you today”, handed him the money, and turned away.
His surprise was obvious.
I have no idea what he did with the money, but I believe he probably needed that money way more than me.
LIFE LESSON: Living generously is the only way to live.
ACTION FOR TODAY: Find someone that you can bless with a gift of money, service, or time – and do it TODAY!
Have you ever been able to bless someone like this? Share your story with us in the comments!
Sometimes when my kids and I go thru fast food drive-thru, we enjoy paying for the car behind us! We have fun guessing how much the bill is going to be. I tell the cashier to let the individual know that they have received a blessing. The kids love watching the reaction of the blessed one!
Last week a family in my neighborhood had some family problems that landed the story in the local newspaper. I did not know them but felt so sorry that they were having problems and wanted to do something. I did not even know which house it really was. So on Sunday, after church, I bought some lunch, and delivered it to them (I took it to the wrong house first and was directed to the right place).
I just told them that I had heard they had been having troubles and I just wanted to try to make them feel better. What a blessing I got. Never had met them but came away realizing they were NewSpring members and just like me, trouble had come their way. I let them know that I was available to help in any way and am praying for their situation.
Just saw a man on the side of the road with a sign saying he was hungry. At first I ignored him as my 11 year old son sat beside me in the passenger’s seat. Then I got a stirring in my heart. I really felt like God wanted me to give him some money. I rolled down the window and gave it to him. He was shocked and very thankful. We don’t know what he will do with the money but my son and I prayed for him. A life lesson for both of us. We have so much to be thankful for. We are so blessed and we need to bless others.
I found out from one co-worker that another co-worker was scheduled for a medical test tomorrow but could not afford the co-pay. I went to the ATM and pulled out the $50 she needed. I gave it to the co-worker she had confided in — I didn’t want to embarass her or let her know that my co-worker had shared some information.
It felt good to know that she will be able to have the tests done and what was even more fun for me — she has no idea that I was the one that gave it to her!
I can remember 20 years ago when my husband and I were having a rough time — some of my co-workers gave me gas money to be able to get home and hold me over until my next pay check. Now I know how they felt in being able to help someone else. I’m glad that I’m at a place where we are able to do this.
Without your help and guidance with budgeting — we wouldn’t be able to do this!
Thank you Joe!
Wanda