Today I was able to fulfill one of my daily "lifestyle changes" in a miraculous way. One of my proposed daily habits is to "perform one small act of service". Over the weekend, I didn't really give much thought to it beyond thinking back on my day and deciding that some act I had done was good enough to call service. Last night, I got sick of passively fulfilling my service duty so I specifically prayed for something to be brought to my attention to fulfill daily habit number 14.
I LOVE Einstein's Bagels. Holy cow, I drive 8 miles nearly every day for lunch to get a bagel...or two. Today was a two-bagel day. On my way into the parking lot, I noticed an older man standing on the corner with a sign that simply said, "Please Help". I wrestled with myself as to whether or not I should buy three bagels and give him the excess--that seemed to go against my monthly habit of setting a budged and sticking to it, which I had done just yesterday. I decided buying three bagels was silly and I could just give him one of my pre-determined two bagels and some cash on the side. As I left the shop and drove out of the parking lot, I quickly pulled over, rolled down my window, handed him the bagel and cash, told him to enjoy his day, and prepared to drive away. Just as I was about to roll up my window, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and thanked me for the food and money.
I have not been touched by someone's gratitude in a very long time. My days typically consist of working with children, all of whom I love, but who rarely utter a "thank you". I guess it's just not in their nature yet, or maybe they don't realize the hard work educators put into their jobs. When I get home, I try not to burden my family, friends, or significant other with bad things that happened that day, how I feel taken for granted at times, or other struggles I may have. So having this one man whose name I don't even know tearfully thank me for a simple bagel and money?? What a day-maker!!
It wasn't until I was a few miles down the road I realized I had fulfilled daily habit 14. I couldn't believe I had done something that seemed so small to me, but apparently significant to someone else, without a hidden motivation. And what's even better is that I felt so much happier than I had before lunch!! Service has a funny way of doing that: blessing the giver more than the receiver.
Lessons learned from today's outing:
1. The Lord truly does hear and answer prayers, sometimes as quickly as the next day.
2. Service is never a bad thing.
3. I have a pretty great life. The fact that I can afford to buy an extra bagel and give it away along with a small amount of money is more than a lot of other people have.
4. Gratitude is important, no matter to whom the gratitude is shown.
5. Never, ever ignore a prompting. Promptings lead to miraculous things.
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