Paying it Forward

It’s easy to think this world is full of hateful people spewing vitriol or making plans to destroy, maim and kill. The news is full of horror stories and social media – well, it’s not often the most pleasant platform to linger in.

Thankfully, there are exceptions to every rule. I belong to some wonderfully supportive groups on Discord and Facebook. I have connected with some absolutely lovely people who have cheered me on my successes and commiserated when I fail. If you look carefully, you can find news items of sacrifice, generosity, and goodness. It’s not all doom and gloom (although the continuing miserable weather may suggest otherwise!)

I had my hair cut this week. While chatting to my hairdresser, I discovered that she had suffered a fire before Christmas and had lost everything because of smoke damage. Her house has had to be stripped back to the brickwork and replastered, painted and fitted with new units. It has been a nightmare of worry and stress on top of losing her Dad two weeks before the fire. She and her young daughter have been living in a rented house which she has to quit at the end of this month, and she has nothing in the way of furniture, crockery or soft furnishings.

I shared her story with my Bible study group yesterday evening, and we all agreed it was a horrible situation to be in.

Something amazing happened today.

One of the ladies I shared the story with received a phone call. A woman wanted to clear out her entire apartment of everything – furniture, pots and pans, towels – the whole works. She didn’t want payment and was even willing to pay for a van to transport everything. Was she interested? My friend immediately thought of my hairdresser, and I was able to connect them so they could work out the details.

Some may call it a coincidence, but I like to say it’s a God-incidence.

I have been at the end of verbal and physical abuse, false perceptions, harsh judgements, rude and vindictive speech, and unfair treatment. I have also experienced generosity, kindness, encouragement, affirmation, and joyful friendships. I know which ones I prefer!

Gordon Tuck, the pastor of my church who was sadly promoted to heaven too soon, used to say there is always one more thing. One more piece of information, one more experience, one more bit of wisdom that can change your perception of someone or a situation. Did someone snap at you angrily in the shop today? Maybe they are tired from being up all night with a sick child. Did your colleague ignore you? They might be worried about paying a sudden bill this month or grieving over the loss of a loved one.

All of us are struggling in some way. Just because you are not aware of it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening. We can’t change how people act towards us, but we can change our reactions. Instead of being quick to take offence, or give as good as you get, take a moment to find another way. Smile and say thank you. Make someone else a drink when you are getting one for yourself. Chat to the person in the queue with you.

You could take it even further and be deliberately kind or generous. Donate regularly to a food bank. Give away your possessions to someone who needs it. Offer your time and talents to someone who needs a helping hand.

I don’t know the story behind a lady clearing her apartment. Perhaps, at some point, she was a recipient of great generosity and decided to pay it forward.

This world needs more people operating out of love instead of hate, generosity instead of greed, acceptance instead of segregation. We all want change, and it’s easy to point the finger at other folks’ faults, but the reality is, the only thing we can change is ourselves.

Kindness is catching. By swimming against the darkness of this world, you could start a chain reaction with extraordinary consequences.

So, make a difference to someone today.