Today is Field Day at school. Lots of fun and games outside for the kids. This requires a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water. Well, I had the first two covered so I thought, no problem, I'll just run by Walmart and get a bottle out of the vending machines in front of the store. So, we left early this morning and ran by Walmart. As luck would have it, all 4 vending machines were sold out of water. As I was driving back through the parking lot I saw a St. Thomas parent with his son loading up the car with 2-3 cases of bottled water. I thought to myself - "hmm, I wonder if he would sell me a bottle so I don't have to run into the store". So, I pulled up beside him and said "Excuse me, my son goes to St. Thomas too. We tried to get a water out of the machines but they were all out. Could I buy one from you?" I waved 2 dollars in my hand to show him I would pay for it. He just stared at me and shook his head. I then said "I have 4 small boys in the car and was hoping not to drag them into the store". He said "no." So, I thanked him and drove over to Sonic and bought a bottled water.
Now, I know it is my fault for not preparing and having the water in advance. But, I have to say, I was hurt and disappointed by this man. What an ungenerous spirit. I know he was taking the water to school, he told me so. However, each child is to bring their own water, so those were just extras. At any rate, my boys saw a behavior from this man that was very unchristian.
We talked the rest of the way to school about how it makes us feel when others are not generous and how we must make other people feel when we are not generous towards them. A good lesson for them. And me.
I must be honest - a little part of me hopes this man feels guilty today. I said a Hail Mary for him and decided to write about it on my blog.
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