Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)
“How old are you?” the lady asked my granddaughter, Emily.
Surprised at the interruption, Emily looked up from her reading. “Eleven.”
“Do you babysit? I used to enjoy it when I was your age.”
“No, not yet.” Emily said.
The stranger held up the book in her hand, a financial book for children. Emily nodded. The lady left the store.
Emily returned to her favorite pastime of reading. Each Sunday after the church service, she retreats to the bookstore until her family summons her to go home.
Minutes later, The lady approached Emily. again “God told me to give this to you.”
Emily noticed money in the stranger’s hand. “No, you don’t have to do that.”
“Please let me bless you,” the lady said as she placed $11 on the open book Emily held.
She was ready to refuse again but her mom’s words came to mind. “If someone wants to give you something, graciously accept it.”
“Ok. Thank you,” Emily replied.
She quickly found her parents and relayed the amazing story. With a few dollars from her dad, she was able to purchase a girl’s devotional book that her mom had thought of buying for her.
When she told my friend and me the story, we marveled at what the stranger did for a child she didn’t know.
Because the lady felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit and acted on it, the blessing for Emily rippled to a host of other lives. How many, inspired by her kindness, will continue to spread the blessing? She certainly inspired me.
Loving Father, thank you for kind strangers. Help me to be a blessing to those around me. Amen
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