One thing we all have in common is the ability to use a drive-thru restaurant.  I’ll warn you right now…if you’ve never been through a drive-thru, we can’t be friends. (OK…for those who don’t know me, that was a joke!)

Have you ever heard of the Drive-Thru difference? Here’s how it works: When you go through a drive-thru, tell the cashier you’d like to pay for the person’s order behind you, in addition to paying for your own order.  Basically, it’s a way to brighten a stranger’s day and be a blessing to them through paying for their meal out-of-the-blue.

Prior to our son’s cancer diagnosis, I had been the giver of the drive-thru difference on a few different occasions, but never on the receiving end. Having never walked a day in their shoes, I would always hope the gesture of paying for the stranger’s meal would bless and encourage them because there’s one thing for sure—we’re all dealing with something(s) and can use as much light in this dark world as we can get!

Well, over the last year, my husband and I have been the recipient of this kind gesture approximately 5 times. Three of those times were in a drive-thru and 2 of those in a restaurant when a mystery person picked up our check.  Having now been on the receiving end, I can bear witness to the fact it means more to the receiver than the giver will ever know.

One time my husband and I were both on the receiving end on the same day, but different times!  At the time, our son was on high dose steroids as part of his cancer treatment.  He was absolutely miserable, grumpy and hungry.  Life at home was depressing and very stressful.  At 9:00am one morning, I made a trip to Taco Bell because my son was craving a cheese quesadilla.  On a normal day, I wouldn’t visit Taco Bell at 9am, but on steroid days, I will do almost anything to keep the peace and help my son cope.  This particular morning, I felt as if I was going to crack under the pressure.  I was almost in tears as I pulled through the drive-thru.  Lo and behold, when I pulled up to the window the girl told me someone had paid my bill.  Later in the afternoon, my husband texted me to say the person in front of him had paid for his order at lunch.  Wow… Neither one of those generous people had any idea what we were dealing with at home.  They didn’t know how tired and weary we were.  They were our ray of sunshine during a storm just by doing something as simple as paying for a $2.50 quesadilla.

Last Tuesday, I was eating lunch with my mom at one of our favorite places.  Towards the end of our meal, the waitress walked over and said, “Someone paid your bill today.”  What a nice surprise!  Whoever chose to bless us by paying for our meal had no idea what has been taking place in our lives lately.  My mom has been spending a lot of time caring for her mother (my grandma) who is taking much longer to bounce back than anticipated after a surgery.  We’ve both been concerned about my grandma. I’ve been very emotional about the entire situation because it’s hard to see a loved one suffering.  I’ve also been trying to help and visit her when I can, but it’s hard to know what to do except just be there.  As I’m sure you can attest, everyone is dealing with something which others no nothing about!

Each and every time someone listened to their heart and chose to be obedient, it blessed us and made a difference in our day.  When life is rough and someone does something out of the goodness of their heart, it honestly feels as if God reaches down, gives you a hug and says, “I know life is tough right now. Hang in there. I love you.”  So, if you ever feel the tug at your heart to pay for someone’s meal, groceries or other bill, I would encourage you not to think twice.  Not only does it feel good to help someone, it speaks volumes to the person you are helping.  It will probably start a chain reaction of generosity in others’ hearts, too! (Atleast, that’s what happened at Chick-Fil-A one time!  The window cashier told me she had lost count as to how many people in a row had paid for the person behind them because the person in front of them paid for theirs.)  When I think back, I’ve never regretted giving to someone in need…how about you?

2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

John 3:16 ” For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”