Paying It Forward

After class today, I headed to Walgreen's to pick up a few things. I don't know how many times I have driven down Pryor Street and noticed all the graffiti on the buildings near the Veteran's Museum. However, today was different. There stood an older woman, armed with a single can of white spray paint, meticulously painting over the graffiti. I drove on past her but that image was glued in my mind the entire time I was shopping. Who was she? Did she own the building? Why was she using that little can of spray paint? I could not help but take that route home. There she was. Still spraying away. I don't know what it was. Lack of sleep. Hormones. But something lit a fire under me I could not ignore. I stopped and got out to approach her. You could tell by the look on her face that she was confused. I politely smiled and waved and as I approached I asked, "Do you own this building?" She timidly said no. I think she thought she was in trouble. Then she began to explain,"Everyday I drive by these buildings on my way home and everyday I think someone should do something about all that graffiti! So today I decided I would be the one to do something. All I had with me was this can of spray paint." I felt so ashamed. How many times have I drove by and asked myself that same question but never took the initiative to stop? Russell really stepped on my toes yesterday when he asked, "What type of personality do you have? The kind that thinks about taking action or the kind that actually does something." And when he read what disciplinary problems schools had fifty years ago compared to what they have today. What will it be like when Gabby goes to school? How am I supposed to teach my child how to make good choices when I am in the backseat waiting for the next guy to stand up and do what is right? I thanked the woman. Not only for taking the initiative, but also giving me the kick I needed. I promised her I would bring some paint we had left over and come back one day and pick up where she left off. I was so afraid that once again I had made a promise that I would end up not keeping. So, I drove home, got the paint, and headed back up there. It was cold and I felt stupid at first. But then I thought that if one person saw me and it inspired them like the lady inspired me, then it was worth the embarrassment. I feel like I haven't been shining my christian light. I have really been praying and struggling with the fact that I am not able to be part of one of the constructive groups at church. Sunday afternoon is the only chance I get to sleep before I go to work Sunday night. But you know what? Sometimes, GOD answers your prayers in small subtle gestures. And sometimes he gives you a wall of graffiti.