Paying Forward the Presence of God

Some days, I can just feel God's presence all around me. Through nature, creatures, the sky, and even people. I love it when I see God through others!

When I see God though others, it gives me a renewed faith in humanity - a renewed faith that our world really is great.

This evening I was so blessed to see God through others at least 3 times within a half-hour.

My daughter and I were on our way back home from a long day of fun & play, and I called my hubby to let him know where we were.

It was already past dinner-time, and I didn't have anything planned. Perry said not to worry about it, that he'd just order & go pick up a pizza. I knew he was still extremely engrossed in his work and didn't want to have to make him stop.

I told him that I would take care of it for him, but he protested that I'd have to wait too long to make it worth it. In other words, my helping him out would definitely NOT be helping me & Liv out...

I saw where he was coming from, and was just about to give in. Til I remembered a little take-n-bake pizza joint we've tried before & liked - Papa Murphy's. I suggested it, and Perry seemed thrilled at the suggestion. So, Papa Murphy's it was.

As I pulled in the parking lot, I noticed that Liv was dead asleep. No worries. I'd just carry her in, and I was sure she'd wake up (as she always does when even slightly disturbed out of her car seat.) This was the one time she had no intentions whatsoever of waking up.

I ordered the pizza & paid with our debit card as the young man behind the counter held down the receipt so I could easily sign it. He even gave me a card & coupons after I told him that we really liked their pizzas. How nice!

As the pizza was being finished, the lady getting it packed up asked me if she could carry it out to the car. I thanked her very much for her kind offer, but since there were other customers I politely declined. She still went to hold the door open for us as she smile, and brightly said, "Hope you & your sleepin' Angel have a great night - she's a little doll!"

And then, just as I thought the evening couldn't get any better...

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tanned, blackberry-wielding, ready-for-a-night-of-fun young man quickly heading my way. I didn't even have time to wonder what he was after...

He marched right up to me & said, "You got your hands full! Here - let me help you with that!" (with the sweetest little lisp that only a man of non-straight origin could pull off!) He gently took the pizza from my arm while I opened the door & placed my still sleeping daughter in her car seat.

I turned back around to see him with a look upon his face I can only describe as genuine. He was sincerely happy & willing to help out his fellow man (er - woman) It's a look I'll never forget, and can only hope to ever see again from a perfect stranger.

I got in the car and nearly had tears in my eyes. I sat there amazed at the kindness & selflessness of total strangers, and then realized...

We aren't total strangers! We're all children of God. It truly made me realize that even today God is everywhere, in everyone. He was there for me tonight when I didn't even know I needed Him.

Just as I was getting ready to put the car into drive, I saw another mother holding her sleeping toddler heading towards her car with her arms completely full.

I suppose you all can guess what I did...

God Bless You All!
~ Love, Amanda ~