Have you heard of the concept of Pay It Forward? Why not share with your journal all the opportunities you've been blessed with in paying it forward. These will become treasured memories and great faith builders in later years.
One thing that I have thought of doing with my Pay It Forward journal is writing down different things that have come across my path that I could do for others without expecting something in return. When the journal is filled up I could hand it down to one of my children as an example of how to bless those we come into contact with.
So what exactly is Pay It Forward? To me it means finding people to bless in one way or another. It can be something simple or it can be very elaborate depending on the need of the other person. The concept is Scriptural. Those of us that have been blessed should share with others. Don't think you are blessed? Do you have a roof over your head? Clothes on your back? Food on your table? Your blessed! As a child of God we have been blessed with so many blessings that this article would not contain them. Here is just a sampling, forgiveness, eternal life, mercy, grace, loving kindness, etc. You get the picture.
You maybe be thinking that you can not do this. I did at first. I am not the type of person that is very outgoing so I thought it would be very hard for me to open myself up to complete strangers. Most of my Pay It Forward's I do without the recipient knowing who done it. The second obstacle that I encountered was that I did not think I had anything to bless others with. But again I was wrong. I discovered along the way that I could cook a little more with each meal I made for my family and would have enough left over to feed someone who lived alone, or if I knew them invite them over to dine with us.
It doesn't necessarily have to be money that you bless the other person with. It can be food, clothes, encouragement with a kind word, babysitting, or just plan sharing.
The concept of Pay It Forward works best when you do not expect anything in return. I thought about this as I was journaling, I don't necessarily journal these situations to pat myself on the back, but I do to record and remind myself that this is what being a Christian is all about. Having the love of Christ within me and sharing it with those around me.
So grab your journal and your favorite beverage and why not leave a legacy for your family on the concept of Paying It Forward!

