Pay It Forward
{The first four reasons I found in my files for needing to pay it forward: dinner from the young women; knee high socks from Michelle because she knew I liked that style; random Valentine goodness from Pam, who I have never met; the tastiest caramel apple from Amie}
The idea of "Paying It Forward" keeps coming up. I've seen it at least four times this week. And today, the little voice in my head is not so little when it screams, "Hint. Hint." So, alright already- I'm joining in!
Technically, I'm joining because of my friend, Julie. But I'm changing her challenge to fit my feelings about "Paying It Forward." I hope that's okay with her.
1. Leave a comment about a service you have received.
2. Anyone who comments will get a little something from me because I love reading your comments.
3. When you get your "something," you decide how you want to pay it forward.
That's it.
I didn't need Julie's challenge to have a reason to pay it forward, though I appreciate the push! I have been the recipient of random good mail, chocolate cake on a day when I NEEDED chocolate, a listening ear (more than once!!) and so much more. If I were leaving a comment on my own blog, I would share:
Once, when I was stuck in the snow after sliding into a sign, a man in a very BIG truck drove straight up to my van. He hopped out, attached a tow cable and pulled me out without hardly saying a word. I don't know who he was. He left as soon as I was free. He just swooped in and pulled me out- very Superman style! And he will never know how much I appreciate what he did.
He is one of many reasons I have to pay it forward!
posted by jenn | 4/03/2009
11 Comments:
I've received about a zillion serviced, but the one that comes to mind is probably one of the most simple!
Back in August when I had bronchitis a lot of people helped or offered to help. But my good friend Pam, who was currently in the middle of a local family vacation, had stopped by her house for something. When she found out how sick I was she immediately showed up with Puffs tissues, insisting that they were a "must have" when blowing your nose as much as I was.
I was touched that in the midst of her business she would think of something she COULD do, not what she could HAVE done. And she was RIGHT...Puffs with lotion are the way to go!
ServiceS, not serviceD. I'm a smart little typist.
I totally don't mind that you changed things up. I love this idea. And for your little something I want you to come visit me sometime!
This may not be an instance of service in the traditional sense but a few weeks ago walking home from the park I was almost in tears of gratitude for the wonderful friends and neighbors I have. I love that I can go to my neighborhood park with friends and we all help with each others kids. I love it when some one elses child asks me to help on the monkey bar even though their mom is sitting right next to me. And knowing that that mom would do the same for me. And when I need to run home for a minute there is another mom sitting there willing to keep an eye on my kids until I get back.
I have been on the receiving end of some seriously nice service. A few that come immediately to mind are...The weeding and planting of a flower bed in my yard, Cafe Rio lunch being brought to me after my miscarriage, child care at any time, and any and every piece of good mail I've ever received!
Where to start?? I have been on the receiving end of so many good hearted people. One of those good hearted people that comes to mind is Vicky Castaneda. After I had had a surgery that was as emotionally painful as it was physically painful I was on bed rest Matt had gone back to work and my mother left to go to her home. I found myself alone with Chloe for the first time since the surgery and not quite sure how I was going to take care of her. I just felt helpless. Early that morning Vicky Castaneda just rang my door bell then came up to my room to tell me she was going to take Chloe for the whole day. Then as if that wasn’t enough she then brought me a delicious sandwich on homemade bread at lunch time. She kept Chloe till the end of the day so that I could rest. I don’t even know if I told her but I just think she was an angel that day. She was certainly an answer to my prayers.
Ohhh the perfect time to actually be reading everyone's blogs. Thanks Jenn. Lots of warm fuzzys!
I've seen lots of physical service this last couple of weeks... but I know know the prayers of my friends have helped me a lot lately! ;o)
Jenn, you are my reason to pay it forward. Every Sunday, and many other days, you invite Micah and me into your home. You feed us, talk to us, remember what we say, care what we think, and you LOVE us unconditionally (a.k.a. more than we deserve). You have opened your home and heart to us, and anyone else we choose to drag along. I don't think you'll ever understand how much I appreciate you and your family, and I certainly cannot pay you back in full for all you've done for me and my little family.
I'm so happy you're back to blogging!!
And so surprised to see a little good mail package from me from a looooong time ago...
I've been the recipient of much service, but large and small -- but really none of it is small because it is always so appreciated. One of the best things ever was having my sweet friends helping me clean my house as we were getting ready to move to Paris!
That is a really neat story. I was surprised to see you up and blogging again, I was just about to delete your link from my favorites! YOu are a great blogger! YOur family looks well!--love, Heather
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