Last night I received a blessing that truly humbled me, yet showed me that God is still at work through His people. I went to an Aldi grocery store here in Springfield so that I would have something besides fast food and junk food to eat at the hotel.

I picked out my groceries, went through the checkout only to find out that I did not have the correct means to pay my bill. Wow, so many thoughts and sermon ideas are going through my head now. But I digress. Anyway, I’m told how much I owe, and pull out my credit card, only to be informed that they don’t accept Visa or MasterCard credit cards. But they do accept Discover, which I do not have. Or, I can use a Visa or MasterCard debit card. However, I may only use the debit card with a PIN number, which I do not know. I don’t carry cash, so I say the only thing I can at that point, “I’m sorry, I’ll have to cancel my purchase.”

Just as I finished telling that to the cashier, and as she calls for a manager, a lady steps forward and offers to pay for my purchase. Of course, I protest. I mean, I have the funds to cover my purchase. Just, apparently, not the correct means to transfer those funds in a way that would satisfy the debt that has just been created.

The lady, however, was politely insistent, and even praised God for the opportunity. She called it one of those pay it forward things. I have to be honest, I love it when I have the opportunity to pay it forward. Yet my own pride and embarrassment almost caused me to deny a fellow believer that same blessing that comes with helping another. Not to mention, I would have missed out on the blessing, and the lessons that come from from allowing her to help me out.

Don’t let pride, or embarrassment rob you, or another, of the blessings, and lessons, that God may have for you.