the four dollars that taught me a million dollar lesson

I have been meaning to blog about this for over a week. But the only time that I can ever find spare time is when I have down time at work... and I am never really in the writing mood when I am sitting in an uncomfortable chair, in a bland cubicle.

See THIS is much much better... sitting in my cozy bed, a peach pie candle burning, christmas lights strung around me, flowin' tunes medicate my whole body and soul all the way down to my orange toe nails. THIS is where I can get in the mood to write. Home.

Now... let me get on to the reason behind this post. It seems cliche to some, but for me it is a lesson that hit me hard this past week.

SERVICE.... but first little sshppeeeeeel on the outdoors and running..

Last Tuesday I was in a good mood, I had been having a good day. I went running in the park, I people-watched as I stretched out after, and loved feeling the sun on my face and the wind against my skin. After I had stretched and cooled down, endorphins still surging through me, I got in my car. It was then that I experienced something that I haven't felt in a long time. I shut the door and my head started spinning and I was taken back by how confining my little car had become, after being surrounded by the air, the sun and the sound of my own feet hitting the pavement, I literally felt claustrophobic just by being in my car. It was crazy. I had to roll down the windows and stick my face outside, gulping in the sunshine in order to breathe. It made me realize that I need to get out more, I spend way too much time NOT in the open. I can't wait to get outside as much as I can, now that the weather is looking up!

After my run, I went to Wal-mart to pick up a few things.

Checking out in front of me is an elderly man in a motorized scooter cart, I didn't see what he was buying but the total came to around $17. I watched as he tried to stand and balance himself so he could get his wallet from his pocket. It was painful to watch as the cashier impatiently tapped his foot, we all stood watching this man hold up his wad of cash, his shaking hands fumbled through to find the correct bills. I was about to intervene and help him, when he gave up and handed the cashier all his cash.

I looked down at my running shoes, and wiped my still sweaty forehead on my t-shirt. I thought about where this little old man was headed. I wondering how he even got here, since he could hardly stand. Not knowing what this man's circumstances were, I forced myself to have an optimistic visual in my mind of his cute little pink haired wife...Sitting at the kitchen table with a ring on to match the one he has wrapped around his age spotted finger. I did it for myself. It made me feel better to think he had someone waiting for him at home.

It was then that I heard the cashier say, " sir, you're going to need to put one item bac-" before I could even think, the words, how much is he short? jumped out of my throat. The cashier, a little taken back by how quickly I responded, said, "he needs four more dollars." I opened my wallet and realized that I hadn't even thought about what I would do if I didn't have cash. This is where the miracle comes in... I never have cash on hand. I really do think that god put me in this man's path for a reason because by some strange coincidence, I had exactly four dollars cash in my my wallet. I give it to the cashier, who smiles at me.

Confused by the quick exchange, the old man looks at me and says, "oh...my...! I must pay you back." "No, Sir, don't worry about it, you're fine!" I say with a smile, as I take the change from the cashier. I step back to my place in line, and the old man turns around in his seat again to thank me. This time he reaches out for me. I instinctively grab hold of his arthritis stricken hand. His paper thin skin is warm and I am filled with such compassion that I feel like doing something more for him, anything. He holds my hand tight and says, "you're an angel, thank you. Thank you."

I watch him leave, pay for my few items, walk to my car, and drive home, all the way I couldn't stop smiling. I know that whoever this man is, he must have lead a beautiful life because he is being looked after, I tell you that. I like to think it was his cute pink haired wife up in heaven :)

Even now, typing this, I smile thinking of this sweet man and the $4 that to me, were seemingly insignificant. Those few dollars reminded me of the important things in life. Serving others. I don't think we need to work on not wanting to serve, because I think as humans, most of us all want to help others for good. But the lesson I took away from this is always be in a position to serve. Be in the mindset to help those around you.

I PROMISE if you do something good for someone around you this week, especially a stranger, you will feel something more significant and powerful than even the recipient will feel. Why? I don't know. That's just the way god made us. He did it so we will continue to help each other out.

Get out there and do it. Post your results, or email me! I'd love to hear about it :)