Alva James-Johnson: In life, you reap what you sow

As the sun set on a recent Friday afternoon, my 14-year-old daughter and I did some last-minute shopping. I had already spent way too much money at Sam's Club and just wanted to head home. But there were a few items still on my grocery list. So I decided to dash into Walmart.

I should have been home welcoming "the Sabbath" with the rest of my family. We're Seventh-day Adventists, and it's a tradition I've practiced since childhood. But I compromised and entered the store reluctantly.

My daughter and I divided the grocery list. She went hunting for napkins, and I hit the produce aisle. That's when I noticed an adorable little toddler sitting in a grocery cart while his mother surveyed vegetables.

"He's so cute," I said, and flashed them a great big smile.

I didn't have time for conversation, mind you. I was just trying to be nice, no strings attached.

But the boy's mother smiled back and started saying something in a strong foreign accent. All I could make out was something about food, children and no money. I soon realized that the woman was asking me to buy her groceries.

At first I was taken aback. Purchasing the woman's groceries was the last thing I needed that Friday evening. Not only had I already overspent my budget, but I was also way off schedule. I also wondered if she was just trying to swindle me out of money.

But when I looked in her eyes, I saw a desperation I couldn't ignore.

"OK, I'll buy your groceries," I said halfheartedly.

The woman started following me around the store as I continued to shop. She picked up various items and nodded as if to say, "Is this OK with you?" I nodded back, and she put them in her grocery cart.

Soon my daughter returned and asked why the woman was trailing behind me. I told her about our little arrangement.

"I really can't afford it," I said, feeling a bit guilty. "But God will replace the money somehow."

"Even if he doesn't, we're doing the right thing," my daughter replied.

I knew then that I had made a good decision.

We went to the checkout counter and the woman's groceries cost $50. She thanked me, then we hugged and went our separate ways.

My daughter and I drove home and recounted the story to my husband and my older daughter. After that, I didn't give the incident much thought.

Then three days later, I received a call from someone who said he owed me some money. I had done a favor not expecting much in return and he thought I should be compensated. By the end of the conversation, I had an extra $800. I told my daughter what happened, and she said she knew God would come through all along.

I learned that day that it pays to give, even when it hurts. Because in life, you reap what you sow -- and more!

Alva James-Johnson, 706-571-8521. Reach her on Facebook at AlvaJamesJohnsonLedger.

This story was originally published December 18, 2014 at 10:58 PM with the headline "Alva James-Johnson: In life, you reap what you sow."