any years ago a friend taught me a lesson that I continue to share with others. Paul is an Andy Griffith look-alike with a country boy affect, but who also has brains and big heart. After going through a divorce I found myself with few resources and a small child to raise. Paul stepped in at a low point and loaned me $300 dollars to help me get back on solid ground. Three hundred dollars may not sound like much to some people but at that time in my life it seemed to be a fortune.
It took me a couple of years to finish college and get a job before I could pay Paul back. I was stunned when I offered him the $300 and he refused it. How could he turn down an amount that seemed significant to me in those days? He proceeded to share with me a story of someone who had loaned him money when he was in a tight spot and also refused to let him pay it back. Instead, this friend told him to pay it forward. Paul had paid the original amount forward to others in need several times. His instructions to me were to pay it forward and not expect repayment.
Several times in my life I have been able to pay forward Paul's money. Sometimes it is a small amount and sometimes it is more. I have come to enjoy seeing the look on someone's face when I tell them to pay it forward. I like the idea of being able to make a difference in someone's life in the here and now and to possibly make a difference for others in the future through them.
The same concept works with doing favors for people. I have had people rescue me from situations only to tell me to pay it forward when I thanked them. It is not always a wise old person who practices this concept. One night I had car trouble and managed to exit the freeway at a deserted, unlit exit. I had my young son with me and no way to contact anyone for help. A couple in their very early twenties stopped to see if we needed assistance. They took us to a gas station where I could call for help and as I thanked them the young man told me to thank him by paying the favor forward to the next person who needed help.
I have given people money for a pay phone only to have them ask my address so they could send me the money. One young woman was thrilled with the idea of paying the $2 forward. I hope she has made the concept her own and has motivated others to do the same.
I believe this to be an excellent way to turn small favors into something that extends forward to reach and inspire other people to also pay forward. What better way to thank people who have helped us in the past than to pay their kindness forward and carry on the legacy?
