Pay it forward follow up

No, sadly we didn't get the opportunity to buy anothers' dinner, albeit we went with that possible intention while at the Fairway Grill in St George at lunch on Saturday. But, alas & sigh, no one fit our mental image of who we felt could really appreciate such and act of kindness or the enjoyment of a free meal. I was looking forward to that feel-good-feeling we would have of seeing the confusion, surprise, disbelief and thankfulness of others that we felt when it happened to us. (I know that feeling because it was common practice for us to anonymously or otherwise do things for ward members many years ago-Carol was our main instigator in this.)

As we stood at the counter to pay, there was an old guy (at least ten years my senior) who came in. He initiated conversation with me with a nice comment, one of those genuinely nice guys. He even stopped us and told us cute joke as we were on our way out. (Well, I laughed.) He could have been a great salesman; who knows. But, he emanated kindness, likability, charisma and overall a seemingly good personality. I assumed he was just the average, home grown, southern Utah Mormon who exudes niceness and trustworthiness, one reason why I let my guard down while here. On the way out, I said to Carol, "Only in Utah." I soon forgot about him. He then came to mind again this morning; for two reasons, First as I read an article in the Sunday St George Spectrum newspaper. A man in Alpine Utah has really gotten into this pay-it-forward thing so much, he started his own web site about it: goodwillpaidforward.com. This pay-it-forward thing has taken off! This guy in Alpine seems nice, in print. The guy at the Fairway Grill seemed just as nice in person. The second thought of him came while watching a news broadcast of the well known craigslist killer. I want to think the guy in Fairway grill is like what the guy in Alpine portrays. I genuine, salt of the earth, good guy. I know they exist. I don't want to feel he has a hidden, dark side to him. I'd like to believe that my first impressions of nice people are correct, that they are nice. Sadly, I know differently due in my past and current jobs. Con artists are just that: nice guys and full of charisma. Likable. Believable. Just what the craigslist killer had been reported to be by friends. Just like Ted Bundy.

I realize I have two thoughts going on here; actually, it's normal for me to have many thoughts in my mind going on at any given time, so only writing about two is a simple.

We're admonished to watch for wolves in sheep's clothing as well as to love our neighbors. Is this hard to do? Not if we use our given tools. My instincts tell me I haven't lost that still, small voice to listen to. My gut instinct, by "The World's" definition. (I have several memories of this help in police work and am in awe when I think of them.)

At any rate, I'll continue to believe the best of people and look for the perfect opportunity to pay-if-forward when that small voice tells me to. (is this the same as the voices in my head?) I don't discount the weebee-geebee's I've felt when dealing with some folks, we have to listen to those warnings as well.

Too bad it's not as obvious as the big nose, mustache & glasses disguise above.