Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Small Change Can Make A Big Change

I was in the line at Dunkin Donuts.  The couple in front of me had ordered their food and stepped to the side. I proceeded to order mine. Quick and simple. Then I noticed a young man. I could tell was not having the best of luck and it showed on his face.

He walked in carrying his belongings in a torn plastic bag. The couple ahead of me turned, looked, then turned away. The lady grabbed her purse tighter and her husband quickly stood in front of her.

I moved over so he could order. He looked at the board, checked his pockets and didn't seem to have enough for anything. So, he turned around and walked out.

I picked up my coffee and followed him out. He had gone maybe five paces when I shouted, "Hey! Do you want a donut?"

A little embarrassed, he said, "I dont have any money." I told him to come on back in. As we approached the
counter the couple who were still inside looked shocked and confused. We approached the cashier and I said, "What kind do you want?" He whispered, "Jelly."

I said, "Go ahead. Tell her what you want."

"Jelly donut please," he said.

The cashier looked at me and said, "Is that it?"

 I looked at him. "Do you want anything else?"

"Can I have a coffee?" he asked me. I said, "Yes. Tell her."

He did. The total came to $2.30, which is small change compared to what the typical person spends in a day.
But to him it made a great difference.

I walked out and the couple were outside talking. The lady whispered to me, "I am glad you did that - before 
he tried to rob the place for a donut."

I stopped, looked at her, and said, "Are you a Christian?" She said, "Of course!" I said, "Are you sure? Because aren't Christians supposed to love their brothers and sisters, and help them when they need it, and not judge?"

She didnt have a response.

Being able to help the young man truly made my day. And I hope that perhaps it helped change the attitudes of the people watching, which would be a good thing too.

--by Nesquick