The Good Samaritan

I recently stayed at a hotel overnight for work. I had no money to give the hotel van driver for a tip so I had to borrow the money from a co-worker. To fix this I asked the front desk to cash a check for me (to pay everyone back) and they said it was no problem. I handed the gentleman my check, signed and ready to go, and he got on the phone to get it approved.

The problem was that it wouldn't go through. There is nothing wrong with my account but it just wouldn't work. He said he would keep working on it and not to worry and gave me the cash. I then went back to my room with my money and didn't think much of it. He called my room a few minutes later and let me know that it still wouldn't go through after three attempts. He said not to worry, the cash was mine, and he would bring me my check back to my room. And he did. He handed me my check and I was confused. I asked how he was able to give me the money without the check and he told me that he wanted to do this for me. He told me that the Lord had blessed him and he wanted to bless me and for me to pay it forward. (love that movie!!!!)

I was shocked. Completely floored. I closed the door and just sat there awestruck. I think that my mouth was literally hanging open for a few minutes. I never encounter people like this. People that are so generous. This man, a hard working man, just gave me money out of his pocket. This man didn't even know me and was helping me. This man expected NOTHING back in return. WOW.

I got myself composed, grabbed my current biblical reading selection and headed down to find a cash station outside somewhere. I got the money and went back to the front desk. The man didn't want his money back at first. I told him that I felt blessed just by what had transpired. I let him know that my husband and I were Christians and that the Lord did great things for us as well. I told him that I was not hurting financially and asked him to take his money back (he did). I promised I would pay it forward and that he could help out someone more deserving with that money.

I had tears in my eyes as we talked. It was a great experience; one that I really want to be able to do again but this time I want to be on the giving end. I was humbled, enlightened, speechless, and joyful all at once. Thank you to this great man, Thank you Jesus for giving me this experience.

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water. Exod 15:27 - Elim was a place of abundance that Moses and the Israelites finally made it to - shows us that God blesses us to be a blessing to others. This man was really living that way!

And YES, "I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express Last Night"!!!!! It truly honestly was.