A few months ago, on a chilly Saturday morning I decided to swing by Starbucks and grab a cinnamon dolce latte. Judging by the amount of cars in line, I was not the only one with this brilliant idea. When I got to the display, I placed my order and proceeded to the window to pay. The cashier notified me that payment would not be necessary today - the vehicle in front of me had paid for my drink. The kind-hearted soul in that while Grand Cherokee who had just been in front me paid it forward. Not only did it make my morning, it made a memory that I will never forget. Paying it forward is one of those things that shows just how amazing society can be. They didn't know me, yet they gave me a present that put a smile on my face. And, it is not uncommon anymore.
In a recent blog post, Peter Pronovost, senior vice president for patient safety and quality and director of the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine shares his story of how he was on the other end of paying it forward. He recounts his memories of paying it forward to someone else in a doughnut shop.
Have you ever paid it forward? Take this week's poll and share your story in the comments below? Or, have you been on the receiving end when someone else has paid it forward? Comment below with your story and how it made you feel.
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About a year ago I was invited to participate in a "pay-it-forward" action. I posted something to Facebook with the direction that the first 5 people would be treated to something within the next year. The only stipulation was that they then invite 5 people to do the same. Only one of my friends accepted the challenge/gift, and we were able to spend a wonderful evening together.
I also have been the recipient of those who leave the shopping cart so that I don't have to pay a quarter to use it (I tend to leave it the same way, when this happens). I've also paid the toll for the car behind me and hope this "rolling kindness" continues.
I always pay it forward because my daughter, Ailea started me to doing things that way. When I get coin change back I always leave it in the recepticle next to the register or give it as a donation to the children; when I go to Aldi's I never get the quarter back I always give the cart to someone preparing to go into the store; and on several occasions I have paid for an item for someone who had gotten out of line for something they forgot. I do this because the Bible says be a cheerful giver and not just with money also with time, talent, patience, compassion, kindness, etc.