Saturday, April 14, 2012

It's What You Do!

   I walked into Casey's this morning to get a cup of coffee.  It was free and it only cost me $13.31.  You're thinking, I hope that was a delicious cup... it was.  Best cup I've ever had.
   As I entered I heard the cashier saying to a guy "There must be someone in town who can lend you a hand."  There was a guy standing there looking int an empty wallet.  I got my coffee and walked up to a register.  The girl there said, "I can't ring you up until he's done."  (Now let me make a side note.  I never have cash on me.  This week when I deposited my paycheck I went ahead an got $100.  I don't know why.  I just knew we had some things going on this weekend and cash is so much more convenient sometimes.  So I got the cash.)  At that point I think I understood why I had the urge to get that cash at the bank.  I started to have the same feeling, but even stronger, that said, "Here is why you got the cash, Dave."  I said to the cashier, add my coffee on top of his bill and I'll cover it.  She said, "His bill is $23.31. $20 for gas and $1.31 for the Coke."  I told her I'd cover it for him, just add my coffee.  Now here's the cool part, the guy at the register next to me said, "I'll cover half."  Together we bucked up and the cashier gave me the cup of coffee.
  The other benefactor and I were on our way out the door before the guy knew his bill was paid.  He caught me getting into the car and said, "Can I get your number so I can pay you back."  I told him he couldn't pay me back.  I asked him to find a church that suits him (suggested New McKendree) and when he had $20 in his pocket put it in the offering plate.  He didn't owe me, he owed God.
   Here's my take aways from today:
1) Listen to the promptings of God.  He's always preparing you to make a difference in the lives of others.
2) Kindness is contagious.  I don't know if the guy next to me in line would have bucked up for half if I hadn't got it started.  Be the example for others to follow.
3) Always be prepared to share with others why you share with others.  The invitation to Church was my way of inviting the guy to meet Christ.
4) You can't out give God, but you are intended to try.

That was a good cup of coffee.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dave, I love this story and it shows the way that we all should be helping each other instead of tapping our foot waiting for the person in line to leave everything on the counter and walk away, feeling humiliated! I can personally attest to being that person in line having to leave and the feeling is horrible :( So I thank you as well for the simple gesture of kindness and I am sure that the person you helped was genuinely touched as well! Love you cuz!! Pam

Kathy said...

Dave, I love this! There are times that I am sure we all think about doing something like that and stop. Why? We should all have the faith in us to do what God is asking us to do!!! God Bless you for helping lead the way Dave (in everything you do)!!!

Dave is the Lead Pastor at...
New McKendree United Methodist Church
225 S. High St., Jackson, MO 63755
Saturday Worship 5:00 pm, Sunday 9:00 am at High St. Campus 11:00 am at South Campus (1775 S. Hope St.)