Day 249 – Pay It Forward

 

I had plans to go out tonight so earlier in the day I was thinking of what I could do for my intention. As I pulled up to the gas station to fill my tank, I thought to myself about the “Pay It Forward” movement. I have participated before, buying people’s coffee, etc. etc.… but never really talked about it. But for this, my blog intention I am ok to share my experience. And what an experience it was today!

I went inside to pay for my gas with a Shell gift card I had just received today. Even after I paid for my tank to be filled, there was more on the card so I told the girl “Ok, I’ll be back in a moment because whoever pulls up to get gas next- I’m going to buy their gas”. She said “What??? Ok let me get my car and pull it up”! We both kind of laughed and I just stood there. No one pulled up for about a minute or two. Finally, someone pulled up just to the pump right next to my car. I told the girl I’d be right back and I headed outside.

As the woman got out of her car, I slowly approached her and said “Excuse me. I’m not trying to be weird or anything but can I ask you how much you plan to put in your tank today?” Then I quickly followed it with “There is a reason I’m asking you this” (I hadn’t really pre-thought how I would ask but am so glad I did ask it that way).

Anyways, she replied to me exactly this: “One gallon.” My heart dropped and I knew immediately what was happening…I was involved in someone’s blessing. I said to her “Ok, well I am trying to pay it forward and would like to put $20 in your tank if you are ok with that.” She looked at me somewhat in shock and just said “Oh My God yes that would be great”. I went back in and after the gas was paid for we had a short conversation and she explained to me that they had just scraped together enough money for one gallon of gas. I told her that it’s times like this that we see who is involved in our life (and I pointed to the sky). She agreed and her face just told the story. She was so blessed. She was so happy. And frankly, I felt blessed to even be a part of it. There is no way on earth that this was a coincidence. I was getting gas for whoever pulled up next, no matter what. The fact that it was someone who really needed it just made my heart full and content and my faith was strengthened ever more.

I briefly told her about the blog and asked her if she minded if I took her picture and she was happy to oblige. We said our goodbyes and I was on my way. I’m sure I may never see this person again but I will never ever forget this moment. I was involved in a blessing and again- it was because of this blog and my cousin Heather. #PayItForward #gooddeedshelpeveryone #HGAL