thursday, october 18, 2001

I should be packing right now because I�m leaving for DC straight after work tomorrow. But what am I doing instead? Trying to put the final touches on a song and getting it recorded, and in between breaks, listening to the amazing voice of Christian artist, Rita Springer. This woman and her songs have the ability to bring tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart like no other musical artist. She�s incredible. I first discovered her back during my sophomore year in college when a friend made a mix of her songs for me, and that tape got me through some of my toughest moments. I can always count on Rita to lift my spirits. Thank you to the wonderful friend who recently sent me a copy of her latest CD. =)

After work, I had to run a few errands in the city. When I got back home, I decided to fill up my gas tank so I wouldn�t have to worry about it tomorrow night. I drove into the local Exxon, and thank God for full service stations in Jersey! The attendant asked me if I�d pay with cash or credit. After making sure I had enough dough on me to fill up my empty tank, I told him cash. The total came out to $13.57, and I asked him not to pump it any more (you know how they always try to get in a few extra ounces after the tank's already filled to capacity).

�Good. I can give you exactly $13.57," I said as I started to hand him the exact change.

He smiles and says, �Just make it $13.50.�

I don�t know what�s in the city air, but the generosity of strangers seems to floating around everywhere I go--whether it's 7 cents, a free cookie, or a free soda.

I smile and hand him $15. �Keep the change.�

He smiles back and nods at me. �Thank you very much, miss.�

I figure since Miriam and Mr. Shishkabob Man (formerly known as Mr. Street Vendor) offered their generosity to me, I might as well pass it on to someone else�as small and insignificant as it may be. It�s kind of like that movie, Pay It Forward. I think the concept is wonderful, and that the world would be a better place if we all shared and extended the kindness we received from others. I know I sound either like a naive ten-year-old girl or a peppy Miss America finalist during the interview phase of the big competition. But what�s wrong with having such optimistic and hopeful ideals?

My sister sent me an email today (the following is just a portion of it).

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2001 12:19:10-0400
From: "KC"
Subject: your oct 17 entry
To: [email protected]

that makes me smile so much.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I�m glad she feels the same way I do. And her simple email reminded me how blessed I am, because there are wonderful, kind, generous, and loving individuals like her in my life. My sister is good people. My brother is too. So are my mom and dad. They serve as examples in my life.

But there is ultimately one Friend who astounds me over and over again with the grace and love He extends so freely to me. The Lord truly is wonderful and gracious. Thank you, Rita, for reminding me.

rewind � � forward

Copyright � 2001 Rachel Young