Surprise!

Have you ever had the fun of giving someone a surprise gift? Have you ever bought the food or drink of someone behind you in the drive thru or saw someone struggling at the check out line and told the clerk that you would pay for their groceries?

I’ve heard stories of people (celebrities and regular people) paying off people’s layaway bills or putting cash into products at the store.

Can you imagine the look on the recipient’s face? Shock. Disbelief. Overwhelming joy.

Tim and I have been able to do this occasionally. It’s fun. Rarely do we get to see their faces, though. Most of the time, we hurry along in case someone identifies us. One time, we were able to give a gift of cash through a third party. Oh, I would have loved to have seen the look of surprise and the confusion when a stranger gave them an envelope full of money.

As much fun as it is to give, it is also a joy to receive. We were recipients of an unexpected blessing this week. Someone paid for two months of our grandsons school tuition.

When I received a text notification of the gift, I lost it. And I am not a crier. I couldn’t believe it! I was overwhelmed!

I called Tim and he thought I had terrible news. He knows I rarely cry. We were both ecstatic. We were humbled and joyful and thankful and loved.

God gives us those gifts. From Him are all things and to Him are all things…He deserves the glory.

We all have something we can give. It doesn’t have to be money or something lavish. Being His hands and feet, means letting God use you in ways both big and small. Give a kind word, a smile, some time. Write a note of encouragement – and you don’t have to sign it. Remind someone that they are seen. Ask God. He’ll show you.