When we encounter someone in need, we typically have two choices: we can mumble something vague and walk away, or we can choose to lend a hand. It really boils down to that.

Naturally, we tend to be more inclined to assist those we know well, like family and close friends. However, when it comes to strangers, especially homeless individuals, our willingness to help often diminishes.

Maybe we feel apprehensive, assume someone else will step in, or doubt that they genuinely need assistance or will use our help wisely. Regardless of the reasons, homeless individuals are among the most vulnerable in our society and frequently require support.

A young Burger King employee named Matthew Resendez exemplified this understanding perfectly.

In 2018, while working one evening, Matthew encountered a homeless man who walked into the restaurant. It was not uncommon for Matthew to serve individuals in need, but this particular man posed an unexpected question.

The disheveled man approached the counter and asked, “What can I get for 50 cents?”

When Matthew heard this, he faced a choice. He could have given the straightforward answer: “Nothing,” since 50 cents wouldn’t even buy the smallest item on the menu. However, Matthew chose a different path.

A Kind Gesture

Matthew decided to order the most delicious meal on the menu and paid for it himself.

That could have been the end of the story. However, a fellow diner noticed Matthew’s thoughtful act and chose to pay it forward by giving him a $100 tip!

When Matthew’s mom, Michelle Resendez, learned about her son’s kind deed, she couldn’t help but feel proud. She later shared the heartwarming story on Facebook.

“Proud mom moment! Matthew worked this evening and a homeless gentlemen walked in the restaurant with .50 cents and asked if there was anything on the menu he could buy. Matthew asked him what he would order if he could and the man said anything would help his hunger pains. So Matthew rung him up for a hearty meal and then used his own debit card to pay for the mans meal. He handed him the receipt and told him to relax and take a seat. The story could end there and It would be a happy ending, but apparently a women watched my son during his random act of kindness. Not only did she write the company to let them know about the caring employee they had working for them, she also rewarded my son with a very generous tip! So proud to be his mom and I can pat myself on the back knowing that I’ve played a part in raising this big hearted young man.”

It’s possible that if it was a different staff member they would tell the homeless gentlemen to leave the restaurant without a single thing to eat, however Matthew is certainly not one of those people. He is a very exceptional young man who wants to alter the way homeless and poor folks are cared for and he was rewarded due to that.”

Check out the original post below:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1290664964294273&set=a.115510401809741&type=3

Now that’s what I’d call instant karma! I genuinely think that when we choose kindness, we ultimately reap the benefits.

Let’s spread this story to remind everyone of the importance of kindness and give a shoutout to Matthew for his wonderful act!