All you have to do is ASK

Every evening during dinner, my family and I go around the table and share something (nice) we did for someone else that day.  It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone.  It's not hard, but it is intentional.  It helps us to be mindful of the needs around us and actually DO SOMETHING about them.

Yesterday, I went to radiation early so I could get finished early and run an errand.  As I was getting out of my car, I gathered up some trash from my cupholder so I could throw it away in the trash can by the front door.  As I walked through the parking area, I saw a large piece of trash on the ground.  My first thought was "if I pick that up and throw it away with my trash, I can tell my family that's what I did for someone today.  I would be saving the grounds keeper from having to pick it up."

But, my next thought was "God, I want to do more than that today.  I want to interact with someone.  I finish radiation next Thursday, and I know You still have people You want me to reach out to.  Use me, Lord."

Well, I did not have to wait long at all for God to answer my prayer!!!  About 30 seconds later as I approached the front door, I saw an elderly man sitting in a wheelchair waiting to be picked up.  So, I spoke to him.  He told me he was waiting for his ride, but she had never been there before and did not know how to find him.  He explained that she had parked at the front of the hospital, and he was now on the far side of the campus.

I asked him if he wanted me to walk around to the front to find her.  He said "YES!"  So, I had him describe the car to me so I would know what I was looking for.  Then he said, "You will see a young lady with a purple blouse on."  I naturally assumed his granddaughter must be the one picking him up.

As I headed around the building, I saw an elderly lady trying to step from the parking lot up onto the sidewalk.  She was having some trouble.  So, I asked her if I could help, and she used me to pull herself up onto the sidewalk.

I then continued on my quest to find a young lady driving a 2007 silver Honda.  I actually made it all the way to the front of the hospital before I spotted a car that fit the description.  But, there were 2 people inside.  Huh, must not be the right car.  Then, I saw the purple blouse in the driver's seat, and a security guard in the passenger's seat!  The young lady I had been told to look for was completely white headed!!!!!  HOW SWEET!  It was his wife!  I hope my husband refers to me as a YOUNG lady when we are in our 70s and 80s! 

Anyway, "the young lady" had gotten the security guard to ride with her to help her find her husband.  I flagged the car down and told the security guard exactly where his driver was trying to go.  I then headed back to the elderly gentleman to tell him his ride was on her way.  He was so thankful and said "I don't know what I would have done.  I was lost but now I'm found!"  What a perfect segue for me to talk about God and give Him the glory for putting us in each other's path.

I finally made it into radiation only to learn they were running behind.  So, I actually had a chance to meet someone new and talk to 3 other ladies I already knew while I waited!  That has not happened in awhile.    

After my treatment, I walked out of the building and started heading towards my car and guess who I saw?  The same elderly lady who I had helped onto the sidewalk!!!  Now, she needed help getting off the sidewalk and onto the parking lot.  So, I ran to catch up with her and asked if I could help again.  She graciously accepted my offer.  Once she was safely in her car, she looked at me and said "You are an angel!"  I'm thinking, "And you are an answer to my prayer!"

We ended up talking in the parking lot for over 30 minutes!!!  She even gave me her phone number so we can get together in the future!  And she let me pray for her before she left! 

Needless to say, that errand I was suppose to run yesterday is still on my To Do list today, but God gave me a new 83 year old friend instead!!!

Talk about a Divine Interruption!  ONLY GOD!

Loving HIM with all my heart & soul,
Nancy