On a recent Saturday, Anna and I were out with thousands of other Christmas shoppers and stopped by Caribou coffee’s drive-through. We ordered, then waited in line behind a huge, lifted Ford truck. When it was our turn, the person at the window said the man in front of us paid for our coffee and said to tell us, “Merry Christmas.” What a delightful surprise.
We have been in line at Walmart purchasing OCC items and had someone ask about the purpose of such large quantities. Then we were handed money to help us with our purchase. Those people had the blessing of receiving our expression of gratitude. The person who bought our coffee didn’t even receive that in response to their kindness as we had no way to thank him.
As believers, may we have giving hearts, not just this time of year, but all year long. Those who have received Jesus as Savior, have received the greatest gift imaginable.
Merry Christmas,
Mary
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
Aw, that is a wonderful expierence for you. The Lord blessed you and those people which were donating to you.
Have a blessed Christmas, you and your family,
Susi
A blessed Christmas to you and your family, too, Susi.
What a kind surprise! I’ve heard of “pay it forward” lines like that that go on for ages, where one person keeps on paying for the next and the next and the next. Little things like that (and tipping the baristas extra) can make such a difference in someone’s day — especially during the holidays when so many people are feeling overwhelmed, overworked (my sister works in a coffee shop and has shared that this time of year can be particularly stressful!), or worried about money. Thank you for the reminder to be generous and think of others during the seemingly small moment of the day. A little kindness can go such a long way.
Yes, a little kindness goes a long ways.
What a beautiful post. All glory to God!
It really touched me too–loved it!
Interesting – didn’t know about the “pay it forward.” That’s great – 14 in a row at your friend’s coffee shop.
On the anniversary of Nick’s death I always pay for the coffee of the person behind me at the coffee shop after I visit the cemetery.
What a heart-wrenching-to-read, sweet tradition you have set in place. I wonder who you have blessed by that kindness. Did you and Nick enjoy coffee dates together?