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Pay it Forward

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.  (Philippians 2:3-4)

Dee and I watched the movie “Pay it Forward” earlier today and it really touched my heart.  It told the story of a 7th grade Social Studies teacher who assigned an extra credit project to his class to do something to change the world.  One student took it to heart, and devised a plan to “Pay it Forward.”  His plan was to touch the lives of 3 people, who would touch the lives of 3 people, and so on.   Some students laughed at the idea, but nothing stopped the boy from seeing his plan come to life.

It made me think about those times when others made a huge difference and impact upon me.  I thought about the darkest day of my life a few years back.  I remember backing out of a few Memorial Day family and friend parties, and spending the day home alone with every painful thought imaginable running through my head.  One of my friends, sensing my despair, decided to pay me a visit that evening.  He filled up a platter of food from one of the parties I had missed out on, and offered it to me.  I don’t remember eating one bite from that platter and I don’t think he stayed for more than a few minutes, but his concern for me that day will be etched on my heart forever.

I thank the Lord for my friend and others family members and friends like him who decided at various points in my life that I was worth their time to “Pay it Forward.”  I hope and pray I have touched the lives of others in the same way.

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