Times Like These

I don't have the opportunity to help people financially very often. Or do I?
Perhaps I just don't have my eyes open wide enough to see the needs that are always there.

I was at Walmart yesterday getting a cake for my mom's surprise birthday party and I was in line waiting to check out. I had to text Nate to be sure I had the things he had asked me to get, so I let the lady that was behind go on ahead of me while I waited for his reply. They were scanning all of her items and I was noticing all of it which is something I don't normally do. It was school supplies for her two children that were with her and some food also. As they were getting near the last few items, it was apparent that she didn't have enough money for all the things they needed. So, she asked to have a few items taken off so she could only get the things she could afford.
I have been in this situation more times than I would like to admit. I know how it feels to have your children with you and try to be getting all the things necessary to provide for your family. I watched the expression on her face as she decided what to keep and what to put back. She had to get the school supplies so she started putting back food. My heart began to sink as I watched her put back four different foods that I would consider necessary to keep your family healthy. There was a wave that washed over my body as if I was being pulled into the situation. I haven't felt that before like that. So, after she paid, I said, "Ma'am? Do you mind if I buy that food for you?" Her reply, "Oh. I wouldn't mind if you would want to buy it. That would be such a blessing." So they scanned her food and bagged it for her and she went on her way. She left after saying, "God bless you." And I watched her walk out the door wiping tears from her face.

What a precious moment that God allowed me to be part of. After I was told the total of all the things I was getting, the lady I was paying told me that the total of the lady's food that I paid for was 6 buck and some change. I thought to myself, "That wasn't too bad." Then after it was all said and done, I thought more...how many $6 opportunities have I missed? That isn't a lot of money. There have been times, and still are times, that I only have $6 to keep my family going for a weekend. Honestly. It sucks. But I had that money to give and I can sacrifice a meal, myself, and it will be ok. That lady was so grateful and I could see it in the tears of joy and thankfulness that she wiped from her face. It was a blessing to be able to bless someone and I'm glad I seized the opportunity. I hope I will keep my eyes open to more situations like that one.