Pay it Backwards

Making 'someones day' does not have to take elaborate efforts or a big investment of time or money.  I experienced this first hand when a total stranger showed me an act of kindness and good-will with nothing expected in return.

It was a busy morning running around getting supplies for work, and I was debating if I deserved a cool drink on this hot day.  I rarely take the drive-thru , but rather choose to walk into a store.  But on this day I opted for the Tim Hortons drive thru , and was going to treat myself to a medium Ice-Cap drink.

I paid no special attention to the car in front of me or who was driving, I think it was a light coloured SUV, but it may have also been a neutral toned minivan.  As mentioned , it was just an drab routine day, with nothing elaborate on the go.

The only slight item I noticed from the car in front of me, is that the driver did not take any change, she shared a bit of small talk with the host, a bill was handed over , and with a slight wave of the wrist - it drove away . . . .

I pulled up next , ready to hand over my money , but instead the cool drink was handed to me, and  was informed that this is "already taken care of" - Huh? - I asked? , what do you mean?

"The lady already paid for it"  ....  Who? - - "The lady in front,  she already pay for it".

I was both stumped and shocked .. In my left hand I help a cool Ice-Cap,  in my right a $5 bill.  The host was smiling a big grin and was giving me permission to drive away..

As I did - I saw the car from in front turn the corner and disappear.  I paused for a second , waiting for a friend to jump out of the bush, or a stranger introduce them self,  But none of this happened, rather cars drove past,  people walked along - and the day continued as if nothing interesting had just occurred.    I had nothing more to do than continue my day and enjoy my free drink.

I wondered for a long while what drove the person in front of me to gift me with this?  Why did I use the drive-thru rather than walk up today?, and does that person realize how this token gift impacted me today?   I drove the rest of my trip with a smirk on my face,  a glow in my heart , and a new faith in humanity. WOW! - that was nice! , I thought.  and grinned and smiled and felt very special indeed.

Thank you anonymous Gifter - you made me smile, brought joy into my day. By paying 'backwards' to the person behind you in line, you payed a lot of joy forward to a guy who is rarely on the receiving end.

Now go out and make it a great day!,

Smile on the gifts you receive, and pay it 'backwards' when you next feel the urge.

~Blaine