Light On My Path

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Light On My Path Part 04 - Pay It Forward

by Gail Rodgers
Our driveway was impassable. The winter conditions had taken their toll. When my friend veered slightly off the beaten trail she was stuck solidly. The tow truck successfully got her out but left the whole driveway a mess of snow and ice. One neighbor knew another neighbor and a few phone calls brought a willing stranger to my door with his tractor and plow. In a short time he did a fine job of clearing the whole mess away.

I was deeply grateful, especially since my husband was out of town and the driveway had me stranded. With checkbook in hand I went out to pay this benevolent man. He waved my offer away, climbed into his tractor and was gone.
A short while later my doorbell rang and there stood the man. He said, “You wanted to pay me. Instead, “pay it forward” and do something kind for someone else in return for this. Make the world a little better place.” Then he turned, and again, he was gone.
My heart was warmed. I was reminded of God’s Word so familiar and so simple.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12)

This little incident made me open my eyes wider to opportunities to do an unexpected good deed for another human being… even a stranger… especially a stranger!
I was reminded that Jesus said the world would know we are His followers by our love. How often we get too busy to even be bothered with the needs of others.
Today let’s look for someone to do something for… something that is entirely unexpected and unearned. Let’s be deliberate in our mandate of showing love because of Jesus’ love for us. Let’s slow down our hurried lives enough to look around and share some love through some unexpected good deed.
“Make the world a little better place!” God’s love is the perfect change agent for that very thing! Stop to share it today.
prayer & reflection

Father God,
You are the One who cares about the needs of every human being. Use me today to share Your love and care. Use me to meet a need for someone You want to care for today. Open my eyes to see just where I can pour some unexpected kindness as I walk through my corner of this world. Slow me down so You can work in my life and through my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.