Submitted by: Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca Lisa Petrarca's Health and Beauty Zone Log in to become a member of Lisa Petrarca's Fan Club!
I went to work today and my boss said she had to tell me something and I have to say yes. I said, "Not until I know what it is," I've learned my lesson in the past. She said, "I am going to take you shopping for groceries today for your family!" I started to cry and told her, "No, I can't allow you to do that". She said, "It's on my "bucket list" (things to do before you kick the bucket) to perform acts of kindness and you can't deny me my wish." I cried more, hugged her and thanked her.
My husband and I have been praying and trying to have faith that we would be able to come up with enough money to buy groceries and make our house payment this month. I have to tell you that it was an answer to our prayers.
We went to the grocery store and she kept adding more things into the basket, despite my protests that it was already more than enough. We had to get another basket just to hold all of the food. We went to check out and I couldn't believe that the bill came to $500.00! I had an instant headache because I was so stressed that she had spent so much money on us. I hugged her and told her, "Thank you for being our angel."
On my way home I stopped by another store (I had forgotten to get milk while we were shopping, I guess I was so overwhelmed...I forgot a basic necessity). As I entered the store a homeless man was sitting off to the side of the store. I wished that I had money to give him after the gift I had just received. Once inside the store I remembered my husband's paycheck had just been deposited and the whole amount was supposed to be used for our house payment, but I decided to take $20.00 of it and buy him some food. I had been given such an amazing gift, the least I could do was give to someone who had even less than I did. I walked out and looked over to see someone else walking away after dropping off a box of pizza to the homeless man. Wow, I thought what an amazing day this is. As I reached him, he had just finished scarfing down three pieces of the pizza; he looked up at me and said, "Do ya want a piece of pizza?" I was shocked...someone with absolutely NOTHING was offering me a portion of the small amount of food that he had just received. I told him, "No thank you," and set the three small bags of groceries down. I ran to my car and grabbed a blanket that I had in the car (it was very cold out). He said "Thank You!" He covered up and continued eating the pizza.
Leaving your mark and making a difference in the world can seem like a huge task. I have been privileged enough to have been the recipient of a caring person, a witness to the giving of others and a contributor to serving someone less fortunate, all in the span of a single day. If a difference can be made in the lives of three people in a single day, imagine if everyone did an unselfish act for one person each day. Whether it is helping an elderly person put groceries in their car, opening a door for a handicapped person or offering food to a person in need. Kindness and love can change the world.......one person at a time. Today is the day YOU can change the world, someone is waiting for you!
» left by Michael Kocis from Prescott, Az (223 days 13 hours ago.)
Very good article Lisa, a pleasure to read. My favorite part was .... the rest of the story. Your gift to Him, unknown to us however God gets to watch the complete story.
The people who walked by , noticed what you'd done, then proceeded through their day and also performed similar acts. Which caused others to..and others.....even the act of posting this article will cause things to happen. A beautiful chain of events. Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (223 days 5 hours ago.)
Thank you for your comment Michael! You are so right....by receiving groceries, I felt that I needed to give even if it was a small amount. It only takes one person at a time to make a difference in the world. It is wonderful to receive but giving is the most rewarding feeling of all. My world was changed in a single day! Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa Ortiz(5,740) Teresa Ortiz (222 days 8 hours ago.)
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, Lisa! God is an amazing provider, and you passed the gift on. It's a reminder of what might seem "a small thing" to the giver, it is actually a big thing for the receiver! Blessings to you! Teresa Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (221 days 7 hours ago.)
Teresa,
I am so thankful for my caring and wonderful boss who gave unselfishly and in turn set the "heart of giving" into motion. I am truly blessed!
On a normal day I might have walked right by and tried to not make I contact with the homeless man in hopes that he wouldn't ask for a handout. However on this particular day and after receiving my "gift", how could I walk by someone with even less than myself?
My heart has been changed and I now know that each one of us CAN make a difference!
It all began with one loving act of kindness which set a chain of events into action. We can all change the world beginning with one person at a time, God will do the rest.
» left by James P Krehbiel(1,391) James P Krehbiel (221 days 8 hours ago.)
Lisa,
How fortunate you are to have such wonderful friends and to have the compassion to give to others. Your life is filled with meaning in the midst of your financial woes. Bless your heart. Be well! Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (221 days 7 hours ago.)
James,
I not only received food for my family, I received something even greater....the gift giving. I will now be able to make a difference and "see" the need of others around me. Our suffering often creates incredible blessings and important life lessons!
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (218 days 21 hours ago.)
Thank you Janae.....I had the same response when I received the amazing "gifts"! Respond to this comment
» left by Brigett from Anaheim Hills, CA (220 days 7 hours ago.)
Very heart felt article. Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (218 days 21 hours ago.)
Brigett,
It has made a huge difference in my everyday outlook. I now try to look for people who need help everyday.....a life changing experience! Respond to this comment
» left by Dave Tanguay (218 days 14 hours ago.)
I enjoyed reading this article, thanks for sharing Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (218 days 5 hours ago.)
Thank you Dave for your comment. I can't began to tell how grateful I was and how my outlook has changed since that day. I no longer dwell on my own circumstances (which are still very hard), but try to focus on others. Somehow it seems to make my struggles seem a little less difficult because I am not devoting all of my emotional time on ME! Respond to this comment
» left by Kathy Somers Walsh(1,294) Kathy Somers Walsh (210 days 3 hours ago.)
I just want to say congrat to you and tell you also that your article is very good. It is really touching, and that was really terrific that you helped that man. I think it says in the bible somewhere something like......if you feed the poor you feed me, if you clothe them you clothe me....I can't remember exactly how that goes, but you did a really great thing. Respond to this comment
» left by Lisa Petrarca(258) Lisa Petrarca (209 days 1 hour ago.)
Thank you Kathy and congratulations to you! I enjoyed your article very much also and was impressed with the style in which you wrote it....as though you were learning as you went along. Your article was so true and inspirational.
» left by Avis Ward(8,613) Avis Ward (208 days 4 hours ago.)
Lisa, I'm just now reading your article so you know I didn't vote, but I would have voted for it. It's a winner! Congrats! Respond to this comment
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