Pay it Forward

I took the boys out to eat before we went to watch Tarzan at the Rose Theater. We don't go out a whole lot.

I took them to Burger King. One thing is nice about the regular fast food places; there's always a salad option. Burger King and McDonalds both get nailed in the press, but at least they try. I have a few local places that I like that are fast, and not too unhealthy. Then Panera is one of my favorite main stream places.

My boys eat the same amount as I do. I got them a small value menu to split. Then I got them a cheeseburger beyond that to split. That's a lot, but they eat a lot.

As we were close to finishing our meal a guy comes up to us, and says, "I'm paying it forward. This is all for you." Inside the bag was 2 more cheeseburgers and a large fry. I thanked him big time, and he was on his way. Then I said to the boys, "What are we going to do with all this food?" The boys split yet another cheeseburger. I sinned and ate the fries. Then I saved the other cheeseburger for later.

Both Isaak and Mica were about to burst. We do not eat this way normally.

I wasn't about to turn away a kind act either.

Then it was my turn to pay it forward.

As we were walking out of the theater to go home, I spotted a $20 bill on the floor. I picked it up, and showed to to the gentleman who was standing slightly in front of that chair. It wasn't his. I had the boys hand it in up front. I thanked the lady for the show and explained what the $20 was about. I told her that if no one claimed it to just consider it a donation to the theater.

Last week I knew my brother-in-law went back to work. They now have 4 kids ages: 8, 5, almost 3 (very special needs), and an infant. I made them all dinner. I was in the kitchen that night from 5:15 to 8. It was a busy night, but worth it to know I did my part in helping out.

All those things I would have done anyhow. Pay it forward is supposed to be a random act of kindness. I still feel like I should do something more. I'm just waiting for the right situation to come up. I want to make sure that I pay for someone's meal ahead of time, or a person's groceries.

What would you do to pay it forward?