Paying it forward is when the beneficiary of a good deed is repaying that kindness to another. Or, it may be performing an act of kindness with no intention of receiving anything in return. In today’s world, an example of paying it forward might be paying a fast food order for the vehicle behind you in the drive through lane.

This is not a recent phenomenon as one source had it dating back to 317 BC in a play in ancient Athens. In the Bible’s Old Testament, in Proverbs 11:24-25 we read “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters himself will himself be watered.” In the Bible’s New Testament the Gospel of Luke records the words of Jesus in verses 37 & 38: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive and you will be forgiven; give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” In his concluding thoughts in Galatians (6:9-10) Paul writes: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,…”

More recently, the phrase drew attention in the 2000 movie “Pay It Forward” based loosely on a novel by the same name by Catherine Ryan Hyde. A poster for the movie stated “When someone does you a big favor, don’t pay it back…pay it forward”.

This paying it forward action came to mind a few days ago when I visited The Sandwich Shop in Sparta, Wisconsin. Come to find out, The Sandwich Shop is known for two things. One is the great sandwich menu they feature that includes “Home of the 20 Incher” and the other is their “pay it forward” opportunity. They have the opportunity for customers to purchase a sandwich (or a sandwich meal) and then tape the paid receipt on the counter for another future customer to enjoy. This is truly “paying it forward”!

In talking with the proprietor two things were readily apparent. One is there are some people in the greater Sparta area that are very appreciative from receiving this “paid forward” gift. The second thing is that the proprietor speaks from personal experience having lived in severe poverty earlier in his life. (I want to share more of both stories but want to protect people’s privacy as well.)

I have been known to be helpful to today’s younger generation with my time, encouragement, sharing opportunities, or with financial assistance for “educational experiences”. My thought process is that many people opened many doors for me many years ago and I need to do the same. It is a gratifying feeling. May I suggest that you find a personal way to “pay it forward”? (You don’t have to visit The Sandwich Shop in Sparta, but I recommend it!)

An anonymous person provided an ending for this article: “I do not have to do all the good deeds in the world, but I must do some.”