Blessing Others

Have you gone out of your way to bless someone recently?

Our church and our community are engaged in a year long quest to become the kindest town in America.  Our pastors have been challenging us to step outside out comfort zone and really listen to how God wants us to bless others.

We've been hearing stories of how people have been blessing others.  For some, just allowing someone to pull in front would be a huge move toward kindness.  Others have blessed with changing tires, making food, donating clothing, and offering babysitting for free.  One story that was told last night broke my heart and spurred me to really seek to have my eyes and ears open for ways to bless others.

A husband and wife had gone to Walmart to pick up something little.  While in line, they saw a mother and young child in front.  The child picked up a candy bar and asked mom if he could have it.  Her answer - "I'm sorry honey.  Mommy just lost her job.  We can't afford sweets.  We can only afford what we have in the cart since this is Mommy's last paycheck."  The husband looked in this woman's cart.  Sure enough, it had cereal, vegetables, a little meat, and toilet paper.  Just essentials. 

As the cashier is ringing her up, this woman is watching the total closely.  At one point, she starts asking to remove items because she just can't afford them.  The husband and wife were standing there with breaking hearts.  They felt the tug from the Lord.  The husband handed over his debit card and paid for all of this woman's groceries.  Her total was $51.

With a grateful heart, the mother asked how she could repay this couple.  The husband handed over a "Blessing Card" (with church info and bible verse) and assured her nothing was needed.  God had put them behind her in line so that they could pay for her groceries.

I know this pregnancy has been making me extra sensitive and emotional, but my heart has always hurt for kids who need the basic items.   As the husband told his story with his voice full of emotion, I sat and tried to hold the tears back.  The commercials on TV which show a mom putting her son to bed with a hug, a story, a kiss, and an empty stomach just break my heart.

Yes, times are tight right now.  They don't have to be as bleak though.  If we all would look for ways to bless each other, even just little ways, we will all be better for it.    No, I am not saying that we can buy our salvation with good deeds.  Our good works are out of an overflow of the heart.  They also help change our heart - help to mold our hearts from the hearts of stones to hearts more like Christ's own heart.

Have you blessed someone today?