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Carla's back ached, her wedding ring wouldn't go on her finger, and her baby was kicking like crazy. She was eight months along and she and her husband, Brad, were eagerly looking forward to the birth of their first baby. Carla had had an uneventful pregnancy but today she was a little tired. The washing machine was going to be fixed tomorrow, but today all she could find to wear were old knit pants. At least her shirt was nice!

It was time for her to go to work at the little cafe downtown. The thought made her smile: she loved her job. The town of 800 didn't offer much in the way of employment, but Brad had a great job as a mechanic and their families lived in town. They felt their life was peaceful and happy.

The wedding ring was left on the dresser and Carla rushed out the door, not bothering to lock it. The bright sun felt good when she stepped outside. She would have to pull a few weeds tonight. She walked the two blocks to the cafe and called a greeting to the owner. Donning an apron wasn't an option anymore and Carla picked up a pad, put on her name badge and took orders for the two tables already seated. Carla still had to laugh because the badge company had misspelled her name. They had written "Karla" and Carla had never thought to change it. It still gave people laughs.

Soon the caf filled and Carla deftly shuffled plates with experienced hands. She was hoping Brad would come in for the chicken soup. It was his favorite. She greeted two of her cousins sitting at the back table before taking an order from a woman who sat at the bar.

Carla smiled brightly. The woman was traveling and had been too tired to continue; she needed a break. She was on her way to see her new grandson, who lived three hours up the road. Carla was excited for her and told her a nice big bowl of their special chicken soup and some homemade honeyberry bread would refresh the woman for her drive. She suggested the homemade chocolate brownie with ice cream with a twinkle in her eyes. "My baby hides the fact that sometimes I take the leftover brownies home." Carla didn't notice the woman looking at Carla's empty ring finger. The woman had noticed Carla's scruffy clothes when she walked in. She didn't know Carla's story, but her heart went out to this kind waitress.

The woman looked at her own diamonds, so large and so extravagant. Her husband had been very successful financially and made sure she had everything she ever wanted: she knew she was very spoiled and very lucky. The woman smiled brightly at Carla when the food arrived.

Carla was busy: the chicken soup and cream pies were always a draw. The agricultural co-op was having a meeting and they were due in at one o'clock. Carla would have plenty of time to clean the small banquet room before they came. She asked the woman if there was anything she still needed. Would she want a can of pop with her to help her stay awake? The woman looked at Carla and smiled her appreciation. She handed Carla a hundred dollar bill. "I'm so sorry, but would you be able to make change?" Carla told her it would be no trouble, but it would take a minute: she would have to get the change from the back room. The woman told her not to hurry; she had to write down something in her notebook anyway.

Carla took one more order, filled a coffee and then went back to make change. When Carla returned, the woman wasn't at her stool at the bar. Ninety-four dollars was a lot: Carla would hold the change until she saw her, but after fifteen minutes, Carla began to be worried. She didn't want to clear away the dishes; she never wanted the customers to feel hurried, especially if they needed to use the restroom. Carla walked over to the place where the woman had been. There, on a napkin, was the word "Karla." Carla opened it. "I don't know what your story is but I thought I would give you my change. You are so nice. If you feel you have to pay me back, do something nice for the next person. God bless you and your baby."

Carla couldn't believe it! What was that all about? She had a good job, Brad loved his work, and yet this woman thought Carla needed help. She looked down at her old pants, her ringless finger, and her huge tummy. The woman had misunderstood. The woman had given her a gift intended for someone in need. Carla would have to think of some way to pay her back.

She and Brad talked about the unexpected gift. They talked about giving. The woman had done a small act of kindness, but it made a profound impact on Carla and Brad. They gave offerings to their church, but could they do a little something more? How could they brighten someone else's day?

Ninety-four dollars may not have been much to the woman at the bar, but to Carla and Brad, it was a testimony of the woman's belief in giving. Carla could take the woman's change but she would also give it to others. She and Brad would think of something special to do.

Carla and Brad started on a small scale: they started a small scholarship fund for the high school students who waited tables at the cafe. It was their goal that three students would be able to have at least their books paid for when they went to college. Soon word spread around town about Carla's Change for College can at the cafe. It was filling up rather quickly. Weekly, she would take half her tips and put it in the can. By the end of the third month, she had collected 300 dollars. Carla found ways to match her funds. By the end of the third year, she had collected 7,000 dollars for fourteen young people going to college with help.

Bless those who give. Bless those who take and share. Bless those who start a cycle of giving!