I judged!!!

About a month ago I was running some errands and my daughter Hayley came and met me for lunch. As we were leaving to go our separate ways she mentions that she needs gas in her car. So since I didn't have any cash I told her that I would drive over with her and get some gas with my card.

We proceed to the gas station and I get out to run my card on her pump when this very old run down beat up car pulls in. The brakes sounded like screeching metal on metal to the worst degree. It was one of our very warm Texas days and this car had all of the windows down and you could tell that there was no AC.

I was standing there pumping gas into Hayley's car when all of a sudden this lady comes walking up to me asking for $5 for gas so that she could make it home with her baby. Now this is not the first time I have been approached for gas money at the gas station. In fact, it seems to be happening more and more. We are a family that gives without any judgement and usually do give in these situations. For some reason this day I judged. In fact, the thought that crossed through my head at that moment was I bet she does this often. She was not very appropriately dressed for public.

I looked at her and told her that I was sorry but I didn't have any cash! She said God Bless you mam and went on to the next person. I watched the way she was treated by all of the people she was asking and the thought came over me to help this woman. As soon as I decide to help her the thought came across my mind...When you are in the service of your fellow being you are only in the service of our God...Then these words came...she is a child of God just like me.

I realized that even though I didn't have cash that I could go over with my card and fill up her tank. I was so happy to do it and went to look to find the woman. She was holding her new born baby still asking people for some money. Not one person had helped. I went to her and said just hold your baby...I am going to fill your car up for you. She immediately starting crying and said, God Bless you mam, God bless you mam! I told her don't thank me...Thank God for putting in my heart to do this!

She sobbed and definitely seemed overwhelmed by my kindness! My daughter looks at me and realizes what I am doing and just smiles and when I get to the car says, "I was just in my car praying that someone would help her cause everyone was saying No!"

I immediately teared up because it was Hayley's prayers that blessed me that day to see the bigger picture since I had initially judged the lady and decided not to help! I was so glad for that second chance! I also was able to show Hayley how powerful prayers are...Hayley prayed and I was the one who listened to the call to help!

So the lady wipes her tears, puts her infant back in the hot car and drives off! How fulfilling it is to serve others and be His Hands.

Well, two weeks later I was running to Rockwall for an appointment and I was about 20 minutes from home and not quite to my appointment when I looked down at my tank and realized I was nearly out of gas. So I pulled into the local gas station to fill up. I get out to start pumping only to realize that I can't find my wallet... forgetting that I had gotten something out of it at home and forgot to put it back in my purse. YEP, you guessed right...I am in the same situation at the gas station and no access to my money for gas. So I went inside to tell the attendant my predicament and asked could I write a check to cover my gas and was told No!

I immediately thought of my whole experience of the lady and pictured myself having to ask to borrow money for gas. I was humbled. Before I had a chance to say anything to anyone the guy in line behind me in line asked what pump I was on and paid for a full tank of gas for me. I looked at him with a tear in my eye and sincerely thanked him. He said Oh no problem at all, my pleasure! We are all brothers and sisters and we all need to help each other out!

I couldn't help but think I had this chance on purpose to have the full circle moment reminding me of what this life is always all about! Living and loving and serving! I was so grateful as I know that lady was so grateful!

Find JOY in random acts of kindness as you never know when you will be the one needing help!