a pay it forward story

So, you remember not too long ago how I talked about my neighbor fixing my beloved laptop, right? Well, since my neighbor didn't ask for anything monetarily from me and because I knew he spent time working on it--and taking time away from his family, I thought that giving his wife and him a night out would be a nice thing to do in return. So after a couple times of forgetting to buy a gift card here or there when we were in the vicinity of a restaurant, I ended up getting him one from Goodwood. They've got such great food! And I LOOOOVE their strawberry lemonade! It is divine! And don't even get me started on the hot fudge brownie dessert . . . ohhhhhh . . .

So my neighbor told his teenage Scouts that whoever participated in some certain tasks the best would earn a bottle of bbq sauce that he was going to get when they went to dinner.

Four boys felt they were deserving of this very tasty sauce. The sauce is something worth fighting for, after all.

He shared this Scout story with the waitress when he asked to purchase the delicious bottle of bbq sauce. She asked him to hold on a moment and came back with the manager . . . and he shared the story again.

Well, not only did he wind up with more than one bottle of sauce, but he received SIX POUNDS of pulled pork to feed the entire scout group! The manager said that six pounds feeds 30 people. Um . . . I think that's only enough for ten growing boys. ;)

How extremely kind was it for that manager to do that. Wow.

There was only one boy who absolutely could not make it to the scrumptious dinner. Even a boy who had just returned from Spain--jet lagged and all--was there to partake of the feast.

My neighbor and I marveled at how things happen . . . and he didn't even know that I'd considered a couple different restaurant options, for which I'm sure would not have produced this same result. 

I am a believer in "karma" (so to speak). I believe that if you are good and kind that it comes back to you . . . even if your life, at times, doesn't seem like the most positive of moments. ;)

I also love the word serendipity--a fortunate accident (and the name of my blog). You happen to be in the right place at the right time to result in something fabulous--whether it's a picture, you're there to help a stranger in need, or you buy the right kind of gift card that results in a "pay it forward" moment.

Isn't life grand?

Comments

[Issy Finlay]

Dearest Kerri!
The fact that your blog is called Serendipity was what drew me to it and also the fact that you are the most awesome Scrapbooker, particularly with the Silhouette.The wonderful way that you can convey instructions and information in a clear and easily understandable method is truly a gift. I'm sure that I speak for many Sil fans, but I miss you on the Silhouette blog. Not meaning to take anything away from the current blog writer, whom I'm sure is lovely, your wonderful instructive gift was sorely missed in this week's Monday Cafe - I'm still trying to figure out the blog writer's instructions! However, I'm sure that with Your gift of conveying instruction and teaching so passionately, serendipity will bring a new and exciting turn in your career... perhaps a regular web show with another company or some such opportunity...Kerri, someone out there will realise what a strength and asset you will be for them. I wish you love and luck. Keep doing it!

[Kerri Bradford]

Issy,
Thank you so much for your kind words. They are greatly appreciated. I have some pretty fun ideas rolling around in my brain. I love this industry. I love putting stories with photos. It's all about maintaining those memories, no matter what your method. It's good stuff for sure.

Have a wonderful day! :)

[Nicole Howell]

Kerri,
Thank you so much for this post. I especially love the part that talks about how if we are good and kind people it will come back to us, and to remember that even when life is not so rosie. I am a young professional and it has been a very hard year. That message that life will get better resonates with me.

[Anne-Liesse Ankeny]

Thanks so much for your reminder to search for delight in things that are unexpected. So many times those situations are greeted with a negative attitude. I agree with you that the universe does take care of people--in good ways and in not so good ways--and that treating others the way you'd desire to be treated is a great practice. Keep those rosy shades on...
Anne-Liesse

[Tracy Dayett]

Thank you for the smile!

[Kathy H]

What a great story, Kerri! How fabulous of the restaurant manager to bless your neighbor so overwhelmingly. I believe God is the One who blesses like that, He is the One who moves in the hearts of people to act so generously and unselfishly. You know, in the midst of all this world turmoil, it is just so wonderful to come on here and read something so positive and uplifting and that is what I MISS on the Sil blog-your sense of humor, great stories and just that overall sense of warmth. Even though most of us have never met you irl, you have a way of making us feel like we're your inner circle of gal pals.

[Kelly Rodgers]

What a wonderful reminder that a little kindness can go a very long way!!
You are beautiful Kerri - inside & out xxx