Tuesday, February 7, 2012

52 Weeks of Happiness:: Week 48

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The other morning I decided
to treat myself to some Chic-Fil-A for breakfast.

I had woken up to a dreary day
and had a heavy heart.
Nothing makes me feel better
than some greasy food.

When I pulled up to the drive-thru,
the line was super long
and I sighed a heavy sigh.

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As I sat in line, I spent a good amount
of time worrying about this and that
when I heard a little voice in my head say
"Pay for the food of the person in the car behind you."

I dismissed the quiet voice and tried to
talk myself out of it.

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Money is tight, I can't just
go paying for other people's food,I told myself .
What if she was buying food for her whole office?

Then the small voice within said
"If you want to feel better,
pay for the food for the people in the car behind you!"

As I placed my own order,
my heart pounded in my chest.
I knew that I couldn't ignore my thoughts.

I tried to talk myself out of it
over and over again.

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When I pulled up to pay,
the words came flying out my mouth
like they just couldn't be silenced.

"I'd like to pay for the car behind me too."
I blurted out as I handed the girl my card.
For some reason my hands were trembling.

Maybe because the desire to do so was so strong.
She smiled and took my card..."Thank you" she said.

It was only $5.00 more.

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I pulled up and stopped to watch
the woman in the car behind me in my rear view mirror
as she discovered that her food was paid for.

She smiled a huge smile and waved.

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As I sat and enjoyed my yummy treat,
peace and calm washed over me.

I truly believe that the quickest way
to finding happiness
is to do good things for other people.

Even the smallest gestures
can make big waves.

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Want to join me in my quest
to scout out happiness for a whole year?
Simply post a photo of something that
makes you wildly happy and tell us all about it.
Then, steal my button and include it in your post.
Don't forget to link up to Mr. Linky.

28 comments:

4 Lettre Words said...

That's so fun! I love to hear the stories on The Fish. :)

Andrea said...

That is so very cool! What a great idea. Imam not convinced that the dunkin donuts drive-thru near our house could process such a request, but I might just have to try!

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

That is such a nice thing to do!

Tiffany said...

Best story every...you made my day and I did not even get the Chick-fil-A:)

Tiffany

Vanessa said...

This is just awesome. You have made my so-so day just a bit brighter. I love that there are still good people in this world.

Unknown said...

That is awesome!! I believe we must give love to receive and love. And you did just that!

Kmcblackburn said...

I use to love doing that going thru the tollbooths on the turnpike here in PA. And you are right, nothing makes you feel better than little random acts of kindness. Unfortunately....EZPass has taken that little bit of joy away. Never even thought about a drive thru...hmmmmm.....thanks!

Kathy

Linda D. said...

Your photo essay brought your experience to life for me. The first one with splashes of red made me think of upcoming Valentine's Day.

Looking for a way to bless at least one other person each day is a wonderful way to live. Thanks for the inspiration.

P.S. glad you listened to that little voice. It's very wise.

Pieni Lintu said...

You are so nice! :)

I'm so sorry - number 6 has wrong link, you can delete it, number 7 is correct!! thank you! <3

Anonymous said...

I love this. So amazing. I still want to do that.

Unknown said...

You're a rock star. Now if we would all pay it forward...a good deed..wouldn't the world be a better place?

Maude Lynn said...

This is so wonderful!

Karen Mortensen said...

What a beautiful story that was. Good for you.

Gina Kleinworth said...

You are an angel Leigh! That feeling that you both experienced will never be forgotten.

Tracie Nall said...

That is a beautiful thing, and definitely a happiness moment for everyone involved.

Jen said...

Yay! My daughter works at Chick-fil-a and she says that people do that sometimes there too. She says the people in the car will continue the process for a few cars back sometimes. I'd be the one who would have ordered a parfait and water...when the car behind me got the family of 5 dinner! It is so cool that you did that! Have a great day!

Susan Anderson said...

Boy, you've got that right. It's the best medicine of all!

=)

Unknown said...

Oh, man! I sure wish I was the lucky person behind you in line at Chikalay.

Unknown said...

I did that once in the drive through at Caribou Coffee. It's a fun feeling thinking how surprised that person must have felt.

Susan said...

So sweet. Someone at Starbucks once told me that especially around the holidays the cars often "pay it forward" to the next one in line as well. I always thought that was neat.

Unknown said...

That is so sweet!

Unknown said...

Awesome. I have found the best way to get myself out of a funk is to help someone else. I am sure you made their day as well.

R Montalban said...

You are just adorable :-)

Mira Crisp said...

wow! That was very nice of you! :)

Linda D. said...

You inspired me to "Pay it forward" in my own way. A friend has suddenly lost a job in NYC. So, I pulled together a little care package - a journal for writing big ideas, a 16 oz coffee cup to help generate the ideas, and some ginger organic candy drops to soothe emotions. Felt good to put it in the mail. I hope it makes a difference for him as he tries to move forward in his life.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

About 5 years a man on a motorcycle in front of me paid my toll. It was only fifty cents but I have never forgotten it.

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Thank you very much for so much Happiness ! Hugs, Synnöve

UBERMOUTH said...

Is that an American thing to do[to pay for someone elses' food?]