This is one of those stories that needs to be RE-retold. I hope you’ll pass it along to those you know. Janice Baiden tells this story on behalf of her friend, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Embracing the Unexpected
We were completely surprised when the bill came for our dinner. The cozy little restaurant not far from our house always had good, healthy food. And the atmosphere was always warm and welcoming. The candles on each table gave the room a friendly glow, and our favorite waitress was quick to make recommendations about the day’s specials. We had eaten well and enjoyed it.
But, when the bill arrived, my eyes popped—it was marked “Paid.” There must be some mistake. I hadn’t paid the bill.
Checking with the waitress, she confirmed that indeed our bill had been paid by another customer when they paid theirs. They wanted to remain anonymous. They had called it, “Paying forward,” an act of kindness to brighten someone else’s day.
Quickly, my husband and I agreed that we wanted to anonymously pay another diner’s bill. With a big smile, the waitress prepared it for us. We were so pleased to give another couple the same burst of joy and gratitude we had felt.
A week later, we returned to the restaurant for dinner. Our favorite waitress shared with us what had happened that night after we left. Five diners had anonymously paid the bills for others!
Paying forward anonymously that night had given us a sense of true joy and delight. The candles on the tables all seemed to burn a little brighter with a glow of gratitude and hope.
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Thank you Janice! In a world of grabbing, your story shows a grander side of human nature. When I first heard about what had happened, it almost seemed to be too good to be true. Yet these are the kinds of things that happen every day.
What can WE do to start a cycle of giving in our own communities?