I've Learned...

Last night the girls and I were at WalMart doing a little shopping. We got in line, and I noticed a middle aged man in front of us, with his two daughters that looked to be pretty close to Macie's age (she's 8). He said at one point that when he got close to x amount of money, he needed the cashier to stop ringing things up. My ears perked up a bit, and I just casually observed the situation. When he got to the end, I saw the anguish on his face, as he was putting things aside (hamburger meat, milk, potatoes, etc...). My first instinct was to offer to purchase those things for him, then I ran through all of these scenarios in my head of him being offended that I offered, and Lord knows I did not want to insult the man. Then I thought, ok I'll hurry and get up there and have her ring the items up, and I'll run them out to him. That didn't work either, our cashier was slower than the day was old, so by the time she even started ringing things up, let alone got to the point where I could pay, they man was long gone. So what does that mean I did, NOTHING... I felt terrible. I teared up in line several times (ya'll I didn't lie when I said I'm emotional). I had the perfect opportunity to step up and do something, and I let that moment pass me by because of fear. Fear for making someone feel small, when I could have made his day.

I've always wanted to take part in some sort of 'pay it forward' type of situation. When in line of a drive thru, I often think, I'll pay for the person behind me. Then I think, well what if they ordered half the menu and their bill is $40 or something ridiculous, when really that probably NEVER happens. Again, letting fear dictate the situation. How many of you have paid it forward? How wonderful did it make you feel? I'm determined to do something nice for a complete stranger in the NEAR future! I've learned... that I should do what I feel God is pushing me to do, even when I'm afraid!!

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I'm sure lots of you have read this before somewhere, or maybe a version like it. I just love this, and every time I read it, makes me stop and think a little.

I've learned...that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.


I've learned...that when you're in love, it shows.


I've learned...that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.


I've learned...that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.


I've learned...that being kind is more important than being right.


I've learned...that you should never say no to a gift from a child.


I've learned...that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.


I've learned...that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.


I've learned...that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.


I've learned...that money doesn't buy class.


I've learned...that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.


I've learned...that under every one's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.


I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?


I've learned...that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.


I've learned...that love, not time, heals all wounds.


I've learned...that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.


I've learned...that there's nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.


I've learned...that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.


I've learned...that life is tough, but I'm tougher.


I've learned...that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.


I've learned...that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.


I've learned...that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.


I've learned...that I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.


I've learned...that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.


I've learned...that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.


(source)