It’s very rare that I go into Little Caesars, but after leaving Publix an hour ago, I was feeling hungry and wanted something small, so I decided to stop in and order some breadsticks.
While I was there, I noticed a woman who appeared to be homeless trying to purchase something to eat. She was standing at the register with only $1.00 in her hand. The item she wanted was $3.99.
I overheard the conversation and thought to myself, It really doesn't take much to help her.
So I stepped forward and offered to pay for her food.
She quickly chose another item that cost a little more, and I told her that was okay. I just wanted her to have something to eat.
OMG…The gratitude on her face was something I will always remember.
What touched me even more was that she left her one dollar sitting on the table. I tried to give it back to her, but she didn't want it. I stopped her from leaving and said, take your dollar. You may need it later. You might need a soda or something else.
But she refused.
She was so grateful that someone had helped her, she wanted to leave that dollar behind for someone else who might need it.
Think about that.
Someone who had so little was still thinking about someone else.
That moment reminded me that generosity is not always about having a lot. Sometimes it is simply about seeing someone, caring enough to notice their need, and doing what you can to make their day a little easier.
We don't always know what someone is going through. We don't know how long they have been hungry, how many times they have been turned away, or what their last dollar represents.
But when we have the opportunity to help, why not help?
Sometimes what seems small to us can mean everything to someone else.
The greatest lesson of all was seeing her want to leave her dollar for another person in need.
God always works in mysterious ways and the blessing is in being able to give.
~Susan Daley