Random Acts Of Kindness  

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7: 7-8)

Over the years, this particular verse has gotten me through some very tough times. I've always found solace in the idea that whatever it is that is troubling me, I can give it up to God, and He will find it in His grace to get me through. I've thrown up my hands in exasperation over issues ranging from boyfriends to exams to a friend's difficulty conceiving, begging God to takeover. While this method hasn't always resulted in what I would have considered the ideal outcome, this "Jesus Take The Wheel" approach has given me the strength and courage to persevere.

So recently, when DH & I found ourselves in real financial trouble-- for the first time in our marriage-- I turned to God.

I wasn't asking for a windfall. I was just asking for the ability to buckle down and save more. I was asking for milk to be on sale at the grocery store, for more coupons for G's diapers, for a nickel-drop in the price of gas. I've always been a frugal person (thanks Dad!), and I know that several small things can add up to big savings. But the bills just kept piling in. Things we didn't even realize we'd bought or needed-- an unexpected vet bill for Ducky, a credit card bill we'd forgotten about, an unusually high electric bill. We continued living paycheck to paycheck, which not only frustrated us, but scared us too.

Then, last weekend, we met with our favorite photographer for G's first birthday portraits. We've used this photographer since G was born, and we've been impressed with her talent. I don't think it's a coincidence that I know not one, not two, but three different women from very different parts of my life who also know this photographer from their bible study group.

Anyway, we'd set aside the amount of money in our bank account that we'd need to pay her, knowing it would be the last money we'd be able to spend until the next pay day. We met up with our photographer for a great session, enjoying not only her skill as a photographer, but also her company. Mid-way through, DH had to leave for work-- but, unbeknownst to me, he took the check we intended to pay with along with him. At the end of the session, I searched G's diaper bag for the check, but couldn't find it. Finally, I turned to our photographer and told her I'd have to mail it to her. That's when God showed His presence through this already remarkable woman.




(These are just of a few of the many samples we have of this photographer's amazing work!)

She told me she wasn't going to accept our payment anyway. She said that over the past year, as she was growing her business, that our referrals had brought in so many new customers that this was her way of giving back to us. Without knowing a thing about our situation, she blessed us with her generousity.

Now, DH & I find ourselves with an extra $50 in our account. What to do with it? A special dinner out? A safety stash to get us through the week? No, we put it in the collection plate at church. Why? Well, while it might have been "smarter" to save it just in case, I know that by giving it to God, He will return it to us-- some day, some way-- tenfold, just when we need it the most.