Halloween Blessing

Sometimes I forget that random strangers can be kind. Sadly, it doesn't happen very often. Here is a little story of a random stranger that was so kind, I just had to write it down. Caleb and I went shopping for Halloween costumes. We first went to the Spirit Halloween store, but decided quickly that this was not the place for us. It is very strange in that store. So, we headed to trusty Walmart (cheap and reliable). We were shopping around for costumes and Caleb picked out a Ninja costume with 2 swords and 2 knives. I hate that every year he goes straight for the Ninja costumes. I don't understand it. He doesn't watch anything with Ninjas in it, doesn't even mention Ninjas all year long, but as soon as Halloween comes around, he MUST have this costume. So, he is carrying it around hoping I will say yes. I am looking for something for Sabrina. I tried to convince her that she can wear her recital costume from last year and she would be so cute. But, of course it is not a fairy, which she must be. Not just any fairy, a purple fairy. So, while I am looking, a lady (in her late 40's or so) asked Caleb where he found the ninja costume because she wanted to be a ninja for Halloween. I thought it was a little strange, but to each their own. So, he took her over to them and they chatted a little bit about ninjas and what not. Then, her and I started chatting about the girl costumes and she is telling me about her granddaughters and what they are wearing and so on. Nice lady and it was a pleasant chat. She walked a little bit away and I was talking to Caleb about his costume. I said he could be the ninja, but I was not spending an extra $8 on the swords and knives. He could get the $3 sword or he could give me his money and he could get the $8 ones.

Next thing I know, the lady is standing next to me and says to me, this may sound weird, but I would like to pay for your kids Halloween costumes. I stood there stunned and a little embarrassed. I had the money for all of it, but I just hate spending a lot of money on a costume that gets worn for a few hours. It is silly to me and so I try to get my kids to find the cheapest options (Gavin this year is going to be a ghost - white sheet and all). I told the lady that she didn't have to do that, but she said that her birthday is on Halloween and every year she gets money and she doesn't need it and she really wanted to do this for us. She handed me $40 and walked away as Caleb and I continued to thank her and stand there dumbfounded.

How sweet and thoughtful and wonderful this stranger was. I have thought about it for the last few days and I feel so blessed. Jared and I have been trying to focus on getting out of debt and working with a budget and live within our means, and I feel like this was a direct blessing of that effort. Heavenly Father blessed us because of our efforts. It made me feel like he really knows how hard we are trying to save money and do what is right. That may sound corny to some people, but I think it is true.