Plenty to go Around.

The other night I was heading to my friend Anita's house for dinner. She and her husband are always having me over for home-cooked, fantastic meals. It was Anita's birthday recently and I wanted to treat her for a change. So I ordered P.F. Chang's online and arranged to pick it up and bring it over. She works long hours and has a two-year-old: a 'girls' night out' is often too tough. Take-out is king.

When I showed up at the restaurant, who was working there? It was "Josh", my Starbucks boyfriend! (Josh is not his real name, but for the sake of this story there is no need to get him in trouble with Corporate). For those of you who don't know, Josh is my friend who I met from just going into Starbucks all of the time. (Oh, how I love those soy chais!) One day, when I went to pay, he typed in some super secret code and said, "Nope, this one's on me." I was so surprised. What a nice little treat! The next time I went in, same thing. At first I thought he might be hitting on me. But then, when he mentioned his boyfriend, I knew he was just being super nice. Since then, he has treated me pretty much every time I have gone in. I make it a point to not go in all of the time, though--I don't want to take advantage of someone who is just very sweet.

So there was Josh, working the take-out counter as his second job. That kid works so hard! He had everything ready and was excited to see me.

"I was hoping that was you. I saw your order when it came in online," he said.

I gave him a big hug and we chatted. Then, before I knew it, he grabbed his manager and told him how I was his friend. The manager came over, introduced himself and then typed in some super secret code. My bill, which had been $37? It was now $17. I was stunned.

"Josh, you're crazy! Thank you!"

He explained how it was no big deal. See? He's just that sweet. He gave me the slip to sign since I had used my card and I couldn't let the opportunity pass. Here was this kind person who was always going out of his way to treat me. I wanted to treat him. So I added a $20 tip and signed the slip. He was shocked and didn't expect it at all. I gave him a big smile and headed out.

At that point, I was feeling really good. I was heading to my friend's house with yummy food and I had just given back to someone who is always super generous to me. I got to Anita's and we enjoyed the food and hanging out together. Before I knew it, it was time to go.

When I got into my car I realized I needed to get gas. (And I mean I really needed gas). I headed out to the main drag to get home. The closest station had really high prices but I didn't have much of a choice. I figured I would buy a little and then fill up at a station that had better prices the next day. I pulled in.

"Can I please have $5 in cash of regular?"

"No problem," the attendant responded and I rolled up my window since it was raining.

I must have just completely zoned out and apparently so did the attendant. Because before I knew it I heard the click of the pump turning off by itself. Yup, I now had a full tank. And when I looked over the meter read $33. All I could think was, Hmmm...what happened there?

I rolled down my window and kindly pleaded my case as I really didn't want to pay so much for gas.

"I'm sorry," I started. "I hope you heard me but maybe you didn't? I just wanted $5 worth of gas."

"No," the attendant said, equally surprised at the full tank, his eyes as big as saucers. "I totally heard you. I, uh, well," and shot me a look that said, Yeah, we both zoned out at the same time.

"Well, what do we do?" I was curious to see how this would work out.

He thought a minute and then said, "Eh, it's on me. You give me the $5 and we'll call it even." I thanked him profusely and gave him my cash. I had just gotten a full tank of gas for $5.

In a span of a couple of hours I had gotten cheap food and free gas and it was just an ordinary Thursday night. Maybe it was all just a coincidence. But I really feel it was a sign of something bigger.

Sometimes, life can get a little mundane and we can start to believe that all of the marbles have already been doled out. The little moments, like the ones I experienced on that seemingly ordinary Thursday, reminded me that that's not the case. No matter what we might be struggling with there is always plenty to go around and better times are just around the corner. Maybe you are trying to find a job or a romantic partner or, really, maybe you are just a little bummed with life in general. Have hope. Somehow, the Universe always gives back and evens things out. There is an abundance that is always there right under the surface even, and especially, when we can't see it. Your 'marbles' are on their way.