The Kindness of Strangers

I headed to Goodwill today to get a few clothing items for Josiah. I was happily grabbing jeans, shoes and other random objects. All the while enjoying people watching and listening to the strange things people were saying. Goodwill is a strange place. It is full of such a diverse group of people. Some grandmas and some teenagers. Definitely a special group of people.

Anyway, I sorted out my items and was headed for the checkout. The lines were long, but a new checker was coming. When she arrived an older woman made sure I was able to go first since I only had a few items and little William was with me. I swiped my card only to have it declined. Oops. I forgot that I had gotten a new card, my old one had expired, but I hadn't called to authorize my card and I don't have a cell phone so...There I was, no money, no credit, no options. I was embarassed and frustrated.

Suddenly the lady behind me said "Can I get that?" I turned and looked, she was pulling out her wallet and handing the lady at the register her credit card. "You don't have to do that!" I exclaimed. "No, I want to. Merry Christmas" she said smiling. "Merry Christmas I said holding back a sudden flow of tears. The kindness of strangers.

Earlier I had been thinkin' I was pretty hot stuff - shopping for good deals among the "white trash" of Goodwill. Suddenly I found myself embarrassed to be standing there without any money. I deserved to be humiliated and to have to leave the store without anything. Yet God saw fit to let this woman shower me with blessing. Isn't that so like him?! Despite our pride and arrogance he still blesses us and reminds us who we really are in the process.

So thank you to the older lady in the yellow flannel sweatshirt who not only purchased my clothes for me but also reminded me of a very important lesson. I hope I can bless someone else like you've blessed me and I pray the Lord blesses you tenfold for your generosity. Thank you again and Merry Christmas!