What should’ve been a ten minute stop, morphed into a six hour ordeal. The recipe was one rainy day, a set of keys locked inside a car, a pizza parlor, a store foyer, one tow truck driver, Starbucks, and a knight in shining armor.

Ever find yourself asking why something so simple went so sideways? It’s like, is this really the best use of my time?! When we are walking with the Lord and have committed our days to Him, we trust in what He is doing, even when it makes no good sense to us. In such times, I like to ask the Lord what He could possibly be teaching me!

During our afternoon stay in the shopping center, I experienced such peace, in spite of having my special needs daughter along for this little adventure. The Pizza Express we first dipped into was warm and cozy. We shared a sweet lunch deal and the gal threw in a free apple juice, along with a cheerful, “Happy Easter! It’s on us!”

Once the tow truck driver arrived to unlock my car, we took cover in the foyer of Michaels, since it was pouring down rain. There, we had a good visual from a dry vantage point. For the next hour, we watched the tow truck driver’s frustration levels rise, as he walked away from our car, throwing his hands up in the air. After nearly an hour, the employees of Michaels, noticing our situation, brought us chairs. We were like the welcoming committee, strategically located next to the shopping carts!

When the tow truck driver, cold and defeated, finally called us over and spoke out the words, “I’m sorry, this is the first Honda Civic I’ve never been able to break into,” my daughter, filled with disappointment, broke. Tears filled her eyes. Thankfully, in the near distance, was a Starbucks. There, her spirit was lifted with a chocolate chunk fudge brownie and carton of milk. That hot latte and scone also did me good!

Every stop had something special. We were so blessed at the pizza parlor. Good food, kindness, and generosity were found there. That gal did not know our situation, but her cheerful and sweet spirit was such a blessing. Standing in the foyer of the store was a bit humbling. We were wet from walking in the rain and my daughter stood wearing my jacket, which hung sloppily on her. We were quite the rumpled pair, purchase in hand, just watching, waiting, and welcoming those who entered, with our best hello and smile. Starbucks provided the sugar high we both needed to carry us through another hour wait. We both felt giddy when my son called to tell us he was on his way to pick us up!

The walk back towards our car was wet and uncomfortable. When I passed by a homeless woman who was planted on the cold sidewalk, indefinitely, my heart went out to her. Soon, we would be back in our warm house with all our comforts, none of which she had to look forward to.

Every place we dipped into seemed a refuge for us. The Lord was with us, every step, and His provision was evident. It was not how I had planned to spend the day, but the Lord had a different way. He showed me how we could just go with the flow, enjoy, and make the best out of each situation we were presented with. We were blessed by the people the Lord put in our path, and the kindness they had towards us. And, boy did I appreciate just being home that evening.

Enjoy the people you meet in your day. It’s not coincidence. Life is a journey and adventure with the Lord. There are reasons, purposes, and life lessons to be learned. And remember, He is in it even if you can’t make sense of it. BTW, that stop I made for a $3.00 purchase, totally worth it!😅😂😆

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Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Philippians 4:1, “… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.”

Isaiah 30:21 “And your ears will hear a word from behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or turn to the left.”

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