In my own way

Sometimes I will feel moved to do something for a random stranger. Sometimes it is filling their gas tank, paying for their groceries, or buying them lunch. I'm not actually telling you this to toot my own horn, but to share how convicted I was today about my attitude.

I went to the grocery store this morning and noticed this lady shopping and was being slightly judging, actually a lot judging about what she was buying. It wasn't fair to her and hello pot, I'm the kettle. I pass her a few times in different aisles and end up behind her in the checkout line. Looking frazzled she hands some items to the cashier and says she got too many other things.

I softly tell the cashier to ring up those items and I will pay for them for her. He does so and I ask her to just wait a minute and tell her I'm getting her these items and comment that I noticed her looking frazzled. Once she gives the token protest of not needing them she thanks me and tells me her story. Her father is dying in another state and she was trying to buy items that would be easy for her fives kids to make while she goes to visit her dad.

1. Despite my bad attitude God used me to bless this lady. She was grateful, but I also think she appreciated being noticed.
2. Despite my bad attitude the cashier was blessed by witnessing a random act of kindness. I was able to witness to the cashier about kindness that I received.
3. Because of my own greed, thoughts, and attitude I stole and discouraged my own blessing.

In the long run maybe these people will never remember me, or maybe they will remember this one time a stranger noticed them and provided an immediate need. Helping them reminds me of all the times my family and I have been helped by strangers, other family members, friends, and our churches. Helping them is a reminder that God has blessed me and He is my provider.