Heidi Goforth was in line at a Tennessee McDonald’s to order breakfast when she received a receipt that her meal was paid for by the woman in front of her.
There was a note on the receipt from Caryn Scherm Hill, whose son was away at Air Force training camp. Since she couldn’t order her son breakfast, the stranger blessed Goforth instead. Goforth was exceptionally surprised by the generosity that she later posted the receipt on social media.
“Good morning! I just had this happen to me. It touched my heart sooo much! I was buying breakfast for my son at McDonald’s and the sweet lady in front of me, in the drive-thru, paid for my meal. I pray that you see your son soon! He’s lucky to have a mom that loves him so much! God bless you and him! Tell him thank you for his service.”
Why did this simple act of buying another person a meal create such a social media frenzy?
Simply, being kind is an anomaly today. Culture scowls and snubs it. Oftentimes, it’s considered to be a weakness. Hence, we become astonished when we hear of a kind act and its impact.
Acts of compassion can make anyone’s day. If it’s breakfast, buying a coffee for a stranger or encouraging another — there’s pure power behind it. We can see this in the above story and the way Jesus lived life.
Jesus recognized the power of the Holy Spirit operating behind serving others.
Jesus said, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most Highest, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil” (Luke 6:35).
The story becomes a little sweeter. Yes, better than buttered hotcakes!
Not only was Goforth blessed, but Hill who was aching for her son was equally touched.
Hill responded to Goforth’s post after her son’s girlfriend shared the news about the social media buzz. To Hill’s surprise — the news was about her.
“I briefly saw it when I woke but had to run to work,” she continued. “My husband texted me the news clip while I was working [the] night shift. I cried like a baby when I read the comments from you and others! Not an hour goes by that we don’t think of our son. He is going to laugh when he reads this.”
Our God is remarkable when we allow Him to use us and when we bless someone, we know or don’t know.
“God definitely wanted both of us to see what great work he does for us that day by bringing this sweet gesture to light,” Goforth said according to Fox News.
You never know what can happen in a McDonald’s or anywhere else when Gods stirs the heart.
Next time, just maybe, breakfast can be on you or me.
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-Corine Gatti-Santillo