Paid In Full

The other day my dad took his car in for service at his local Toyota dealer.  As he sat in the waiting area, he struck up a conversation with a young woman, who was there having her car serviced as well. 

They had a warm, friendly conversation, nothing in-depth--just passing the time.  

Her car was ready before my dad's, and so she bid him farewell, and went out to pay her bill and pick it up.  A few moments later, a customer service representative came out to let my dad know his car was finished.  

"I've got some good news," he told my dad.  My dad joking replied, "Let me guess, it's all free."  The man looked at my dad quizzically, "How did you know?"  

He went on to tell my dad that the young woman had paid my dad's entire bill.  My dad was floored.  

We could only guess that the young woman might have been moved to her act of kindness because he was wearing a hat that identified him as a Vietnam veteran.  

She had no idea what kind of month he'd just had--how my mom had gotten so very ill, and passed away.  

She had no idea what a gift of grace she had given to him.  

I want to live like that young woman.  I want to be that generous.  I want to be so in tune with the Holy Spirit that I am sensitive to people's needs even when I have no idea what they might be.  

If we would be followers of Jesus we should learn to hold our money, our time and our lives so loosely that God can use any one or all of them to be a blessing to the world. 

May you always be ready to bear witness to the grace that you have been given so freely, by giving it without reservation to a hurting world.  

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.