# PonderIt

## Saturday, February 17, 2007

### Pay It Forward

> Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
> (Luke 10:37)

I've been remarkably blessed in my life. I was born into a good family and I've never wanted for food, shelter, or medical care. With all these blessings, it is hard to feel comfortable accepting help from others. So many people have wanted to help when they heard about our baby boy Gideon. He was born with spina bifida.
So far, it looks like he's racked up about $30,000 in hospital and doctor bills. Our share of the cost, after insurance, is manageable but certainly not pocket change. We've worked under the assumption for a while that we'll have to adjust how we live and do without some things to make up the difference.
To our great surprise, someone I barely know recently gave me a check that will cover a substantial portion of Gideon's medical expenses. The weight of gratitude is very heavy. The sense of urgency to "pay it forward" is overwhelming, especially in the face of a lifetime of being taught the importance of self reliance.
Perhaps we are called not only to "lift another's burden," but also to allow others to lift our own burdens. In our season of need, we receive. In our season of abundance, we share. All done willingly and without compulsion.
That is Zion.

#### 4 Comments:

- I think it is noteworthy that in the BoM whenever the people are really on it, they have all things in common and there are no rich or poor among them. This could only come to pass if everyone is willing to give AND receive freely. When a people truly recognize that all things are the Lords merely in our stewardship for a transitory amount of time, it is an easy concept to share with others when you have more than you need. It is a sacred thing to receive as well as give. The Lord loves to bless His children and usually does it thru others. I am sure the givers of this gift knew they were just a pass-thru entity and are grateful to get to participate. Self reliance is a good thing but we need to remember 'are we not ALL beggars?' Don't let gratitude weigh on you but rejoice with the giver of the gift- oh what fun!! How wonderful! That really is a great experience!

  By shelleyg, at 2/18/2007 6:36 PM

- Good post. Good comment. I am moved and humbled.

  By Reach Upward, at 2/19/2007 12:18 PM

- Thank you for sharing. This gave me a lump in my throat.
  Although the situation was different (not related to a challenge of health as yours is), we have a person in our life whom we can never pay back for her generosity. We have adopted the "pay it forward" mantra. And even then, sometimes we can't really pay it forward so sometimes we just have to receive.

  By m&amp;m, at 2/19/2007 2:11 PM

- Looking at things on a huge perspective we see God as the great provider, and we are asked to provide for ourselves and that if we have more than we need, to help others who are in need in various capacities. One thought I had is perhaps you not only had a financial burden lifted, but you might also have been overwhelmed by the love and concern that you felt from someone you didn't really know. True love and genuine concern is something that always overpowers any temporary concerns we have and because of its eternal nature, the feeling is more lasting and sustaining than any dollar amount could be.
  Receiving IS such a heavy burden, but one thing that you also need to realize is that the giver of the gift was probably more exceedingly blessed from giving than you were from receiving. Strangely it works out that way and I have felt this from personal experiences which have been small, but nevertheless. I truly know and understand that both parties in that exchange were edified. I am almost confident and certain that the giver of the gift feels so blessed and grateful that they were able to experience the great and mysterious gift and blessing of Giving.

  By Anonymous, at 4/05/2007 11:50 PM

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