There’s a movement called Pass It On where someone pays for the items of a person behind them at the checkout stand or a fast-food diner. I experienced this in the airport when I went to a restaurant. I ordered my meal, and when I asked for the check, the waitress told me that it had been covered. I didn’t owe anything. I’m sure I had a question mark on my forehead because she slowly explained that she had paid the bill and encouraged me to pass it on. I felt appreciative of the gift, and my thoughts propelled back to a time when I had such an opportunity.
A couple in our ministry at Shadow of His Wings Orphanage had a beat-up junker that they used to make the three hour trip to the City and back. Having their three children with them, and knowing their stories of breakdowns, my concern for their safety deepened. Lord, how can I help these people? The Lord answered that question.
I made frequent trips to Guatemala City with girls from the orphanage, and when I heard about a the sale of a newer car than mine, I decided to look into it. The owner, a relative of a staff worker, lived in the next town over, which made it easy to check it out. The owner bought the Toyota Corona from the US through another relative who worked with a Toyota dealer, making the idea more lucrative. Could I make such a purchase?
Looking at my funds and meager savings, I decided to take the plunge. Meanwhile, I looked at my other car and pondered the suggestions of selling it and using that money for the new car. But the Lord led me in the direction of the couple needing reliable transportation. I felt giddy as I developed a plan.
Later that month, we celebrated the staff Christmas party at my house. I gave the last gift to Jorge.* He patiently opened the box and pulled out a newspaper, a piece of brick, more newspaper, and then his body froze when he saw car keys lying on a card. Jorge recognized the keys because he had driven my car. His lips quivered, and tears filled his eyes as they traveled back and forth from me to the box.
“What is it?” asked one of the guests.
Jorge’s wife hurried over, looked in the box, and shouted, “Oh, oh!” She grabbed me sobbing as she blubbered thank-yous over and over.
Jorge gently took the keys in his hand and sauntered over to thank me, but words seemed locked up in his mouth. This is probably the only time in history when this guy remained speechless. Everybody cried along with them.
“This is your gift from the Lord. He provided another car for me, and He wants you to have this one.” While giving me a half-hug, the shaking in Jorge lessened, but his heart hammered like a runner’s after a 50-yard dash.
I had insight into why we call our Lord the Great Gift Giver. The overwhelming delight in watching the receiver and sharing such intense love makes a person want to give everything away. It’s not about me but about listening to the Lord because we can all be instruments of Pass It On. Being a recipient is a blessing, but being a partner with the Lord in giving can provide a heart-bursting experience.
*Name has been changed.