A few years ago I was working on an entrepreneurial project, living off savings. Some days were financially scary as I was learning to live on faith instead of fear.
One day I was standing in the checkout line of my local grocery store, very aware the woman in front of me was taking a long time to check out. Although I had no pressing appointment, I became impatient and annoyed at having to wait so long. Finally, I realized that being annoyed wasn’t doing me any good and I started to pay attention to what was unfolding before me.
The cashier was explaining to a rail-thin older woman in front of me that she couldn’t accept her check, as they always bounced. The woman, Alice, was fumbling through her purse looking for spare change, I had this amazing feeling of peace come over me as thought about this woman’s situation. I thought to myself that there should be a charity to help people like this. Someone should do something, and I realized that someone was me.
Feeling very grateful for where I was in my life financially, as scary as I thought it was at that time, I leaned forward in faith and asked the cashier to just put Alice’s bill of $19.92 on my tab. When Alice insisted on paying me back, I asked her to pay it forward when she could. She gratefully left with her groceries.
The cashier shared that my simple action had made her whole week! She totaled my groceries, asked for my reward card that offers discounts on some purchases, scanned the card and told me that with store specials, I had saved a total of $19.92 on my order.
I was stunned and asked her to repeat the number. She did, not realizing that it was the exact amount of Alice’s groceries that I had just paid for. I asked her to repeat it a third time and a look of amazement came over her face. She slowly said $19.92 realizing the miracle we had just witnessed. We stood there in wonder, sharing an incredible moment of “Wow, can you believe this?” I felt I had just been given an incredible gift.
The Universe once again showed me- this time in a very tangible and public way, that the little things I worry about are nothing. The Universe will always provide what I need- and here was a perfect example. Even from a place of fear and lack, when I was able to step forward on faith and be of service to another, I was immediately rewarded and reminded. I walked out of that store much richer than when I entered. To this day I keep that receipt with the $19.92 savings on my refrigerator as a constant reminder of the magic in the world.
I almost missed the magic that day by thinking I was in a hurry. What gifts do we miss everyday by not paying attention? Take a breath, slow down, step forward in faith and watch what shows up in your life today. Where can you be of service? Pay attention and consciously look for the magic. I think you’ll be amazed and blessed by what you’ll find, as it’s there for all of us.
© Gail Lynne Goodwin 2008
Very cool story. It’s always delightfully rewarding to just offer random acts of kindness…
Gail, that is a wonderful story. It’s amazing how magic appears in our lives everyday.
Thanks for the reminder to pay attention and look for magic.
Hi Gail,
That is such an inspiring story! It is amazing what can happen when you step out in faith. I’m learning to slow down myself and pay more attention so I don’t miss those opportunities.
Thank You!
What a wonderful and inspiring story. It reminds me of the day I gave money to a charity. I was a little worried about finances at the time but decided to do it anyway. That day I got a check, I wasn’t expecting, for the exact amount in the mail.
Thanks for reminding me to slow down and trust.
Gail, I continue to be amazed by serendipity. Once I opened my mind and heart to it, it started showing up on a regular basis. A few months ago a client hired me because she was fearful of getting fired. One week later she was fired and then couldn’t afford me. I decided to coach her anyway. She has made the most incredible life transformation and it has been a true gift to me to be able to be a facilitator in her experience. I recently attended her wedding and it was such a gift to watch her shine after being a single mom serving her children for so many years. You can read my blog post about my inspiration at her wedding here http://tinyurl.com/475j7r . I was so honored and inspired to get to witness her life.
Thanks for a great blog post, Gail! You are a wonderful writer!
Angie, http://www.sixfiguremomsclub.com
Gail, Isn’t God a hoot? It’s much fun and joy to work with Him! I am continually amazed at His “coincidences,” though I shouldn’t be. What else should we expect from an amazing God? I absolutely love this story. May the Lord bless you outrageously!
Had tears in my eyes – thank you. (FYI, received your message on twitter, but couldn’t reply there; just happened to see your name “all over” for a while and saw that Anne Mitchell was following you; I trust her judgment pretty much without question ;))
Thank you, Gail!
What an honor and a pleasure to know you!
You’re such an inspiration to us all, here!
Yes, faith overcomes fear every time you give.
This is such a moving and heart touching story.
I appreciate your getting this, as has been my
own mantra, and name of a favorite book:
“Faith Precedes the Miracles”
We’re blessed with many miracles when, as you
are showing us, we give to make a difference.
For all to be really fulfilled, realizing our best dreams,
we can do what is right for the right reasons, as you
are doing, Gail, to help, lift, heal another’s heart.
For your best health and wealth and happiness, success
in all your business and personal endeavors, it is my
promise, Gail, to serve you, and all those who follow
you, and as many who need what gifts are given me,
With love …
Respectfully, devotedly
Your friend,
Zna Trainer
What a story, I am inspired!
Sometimes the universe is very loud about confirming that you did the right thing, and all is well.
Makes poverty seem such a small thing, and abundance seem larger than life!