Well, it’s not a real national holiday, but it is a big movement on Facebook. And why shouldn’t it be, after all, this is the season for giving.
I remember the very first time I heard of “pay it forward.” I was a freshman in college, paying my way with scholarships and working on campus. My parents were finally making a little bit of money at the marina, and offered to pay my car insurance so long as I kept all my scholarships. On home from a break, my car broke down on Wilmington Island, smoking. I remember it was spring break, and it was hot. I managed to walk down to John’s garage, a place I had been lots during high school with my Dad. The doors were all closed. I was frustrated, and sweating, and started to walk away. I heard a door open, and someone say, “Did you need some help?” The guy got my car down to the garage, opened up the hood and told me he could fix it. He could probably tell I was worried about the price. He gave me the part name I needed and told me to walk over to the parts store (which I think is now Goodwill) and bring it back. I think the purchase cost me less than $20. I got back, he put the part on, slammed the hood and told me I was good to go. I asked him what I owed him, fearing having to put something on the credit card. He told me nothing, just to pay it forward. A few weeks later, I saw that movie for the first time and could not stop crying. I have never seen that guy again, but I think about him every time I watch that movie.
Think of a situation you were in where you needed help and someone came to your rescue. How did it make you feel? Use that as a basis to help pay it forward.
Please come back and post your stories of how you paid it forward, or someone paid it forward to you. We all need a feel-good read now and then!
