Making a Difference

by Shawn
(USA)

Random Act of Kindness

The other night I almost ran my car out of petrol so I took the next exit off the highway to pull into the nearest petrol station.

I only had $20 cash on me. As I pulled in, hadn't even turned the car off, there was a young man walking towards the car next to me.

He spoke with the driver of the car and the driver shook her head "No" and then he approached my car.

Usually I would be cautious and let my "He looks shady and possibly a con" opinions control my actions, but not tonight.

I put aside my opinions and listened to him openly. It turns out that he was travelling to a funeral another 100kms away and needed some money for petrol.

He was in a sort of a stunned silence when I said, "Sure." Then I added, "But there's one condition."

With a vibrant energy, he replied, "Anything, I will do anything. I can pay you back if that's what you want!"

I said, "It is not your money or your time that I want. I just want you to pay-it-forward.

I gave him the only cash I had on me and a smile card. As he read the card, he had the biggest smile on his face and was moved by my generosity.

He continued to thank me profusely and promised to pay-it-forward.

Whether I saved his day or I was conned by the young man... it doesn't really matter to me, as long as I made a difference in his life by showing there are people in the world with genuine hearts filled with unconditional love.