I drive thru McDonalds for Diet Coke way too much...but that's not the story.:)
Occasionally when I drive thru I feel led to pay for the person's order in line behind me.
Last week was one of those days.
But, right before I paid I looked in my rear view mirror to find that the car behind me was a shiny, sleek sportscar....an expensive one. I don't know the brand, because I'm not a car person, but I know it was N I C E.
So, you guessed it...I decided that lady didn't need her meal paid for.
I didn't pay for it.
Fast forward a few minutes.
I went inside the local drug store to pick up a refill on meds. My meds weren't ready so I had to sit and wait. As I was waiting I could hear all the conversations going on as people walked up to the counter to have their meds filled. I live in small town America where everyone tells the pharmacist their aches and pains. One particular story saddened me as a lady was telling the druggist that she was picking up meds for her daughter who had just given birth to a baby, her first grandson, that did not live. Her daughter must have needed meds to help her make it through the day. I immediately felt sad for that Nonny.
I smiled at her a smile that a Nonny would understand.
I smiled at her a smile that a Nonny would understand.
As I left to walk out to my car, that Nonny followed me and got in her car.....
....a shiny, sleek sports car.
Yes, the one in line behind me at McDonalds.
I'm ashamed.
I judged her needs based on her outward appearance.
She may not have needed the meal paid for.
But, she may have needed to know that someone cared.
I will listen to that still, small voice in the future that prompts me to help someone in need.
And I will know that it's not up to ME to determine the need.
I'm Ashamed.
16 comments:
Thanks for sharing this. I also am a DC addict. It is all I drink. I was at a drive thru last week and I know God told me to pay for the person behind me. There was only 1 person in the car but I asked the cashier what their tally was. She said $24 and I changed my mind. As I drove off, I regretted it. Thanks for reminding me to listen to that "still small voice."
You did what so many of us would have done!! ;)
I got it at American Girl!
Oh don't be ashamed. Be proud that you recognized the lesson. I think we all make judgements. But when we recognize that behavior and try to change for the better...that's just totally aweosme. And easier said than done for most of us.
Thanks for sharing your story! No shame in being humbled and learning a life lesson though.
KK
Dear sweet daughter, God often speaks to us in small ways.
Ex: On our cruise your Daddy and I would try to get a table for two at the lunch buffet. Reason: Larger table means someone will always ask to sit with you. We love to chat but often (real often) it can be folks you do not feel comfortable chatting with. So we avoid this situation.
One day we had a table for 4 and a lady asked to sit with us. She appeared quite nervous and was dressed very peculiar. We figured her hubby would join us soon and what would he be like??
BUT...no he didn't,because in the course of the conversation we found out that he had recently passed away and this cruise was her son's gift to her. Her son is unmarried and she has no other children.
We chatted with her for a long while and she thanked us over and over for taking the time to talk to her.
She needed people to talk to and we were reminded of just what you said.
We never ran into her again (2800 cruisers) so you see why.
But it did teach us a lesson....
Take time and share yourself with others. You never know who God will place in your path.
Mom
Angela - your story brought tears to my eyes as I thought of times when I was prompted but didn't follow through. There are so many people hurting today and need that reminder that there is someone who cares (we can show them God's love and His care through our actions). That was such a sweet story your mom told about the lady on the cruise. Thanks again for sharing. Carolyn
Thanks for sharing your story and reminding us all to listen and respond instead of judge ~ I'm way to guilty of the last I'm afraid.
This is a profoundly shared post! What a perfect reminder of the gentle nudgings that God gives our hearts, and how important it is to heed them. Thanks so much for sharing this special story.
Thanks for sharing your story...Hope you are doing well!
thank you for being real and vulnerable. i have been there and this was a reminder of truly listening to HIS voice. i love you so much!!!
I appreciate you sharing this story.....
I recently experienced something similar. I struggle with my weight and I so longingly look at the skinny girls at the pool. Just in the past 2 days I have learned that one is reocovering from anorexia and recently gained 20 lbs to barely get to a healthy weight and the other is struggling with her thyroid and wondering if she can get it in control. It really struck me that what we see isn't always what is.
Angela, thanks for sharing this post with us. It's not always easy, but it i always right! So many will see the hand of Christ in this post. And isn't that the reason that you share?''
God Bless
Sue
Thanks for sharing, we all need to remember that and spread a little love! You are such a good person, bless you!
Jane
Oh so sorry! I always say that we never know what someone else is going through! A good reminder to all to follow our hearts!
What a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing this story. I'm convicted of all the times I've missed out on being a blessing to those around me.
Wow...this gave me chills and something to remember. Thanks for sharing this.
Big hugs,
Kat
You are amazing!! Thank you for sharing this precious lesson with us. It makes me wonder how many opportunities I've missed out on by NOT listening to that Still Small Voice...you inspire me to be better...
~M
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