I had invited a young mother and her son, who are going through some life struggles, to go blueberry picking with me as a fun family outing. I had saved the last $14 of my cash I had on hand to pay for their 2 buckets of blueberries we were going to pick later that day. In the meantime I decided to go to the beach for a bike ride and then for a walk.
When I went to the local park to change clothes I noticed a older gentleman resting his eyes with his bike leaning against his legs. He was dressed okay, but I found it odd that he would be napping upright at midday unless he didn't have anywhere else to go, because it was also hot. So I took note and then proceeded to change and while changing it struck me that he may need some help. As awkward as helping is though I asked Lord, what should I do, then I thought about the $14 I had for blueberry picking. Should I give it to him instead? Well the urging didn't pass, so when I went back to my car to change my shoes I got the money and folded it up and walked back over to give it to him. As I approached, not wanting to startle him, I said, "sir" as I got close. He opened his eyes and looked at me and I stuck out my hand with the money towards him. He said why? I then thought I had made a mistake and he wasn't in need after all and was just merely napping, so I asked do you need money? He said, "yes" and proceeded to extend his hands for a hug of appreciation. It was so sweet I wanted to cry and was fighting to hold back the tears and could barely say God Bless you as I hugged him and walked away. He replied at my parting, now that is "love", which only made the tears flow and he said, "you are truly blessed". Because I did not want him to see my tears, I keep walking away and just waved without turning around with a lump in my throat. As I continued to go on my walk, I thanked God for allowing me to be a blessing to this elderly gentleman, and yet it turned out I was the one that received the blessing!
If the day had ended there that would have been awesome in and of itself, but I continued on my familiar path of walking past million dollar mansions that are beach side, when I saw another elderly gentleman, but this one from one of the million dollar homes and his nurse that takes care of him. I would assume based on my observation that he has dementia. They were walking towards me arm in arm, when they got closer I stepped aside to allow them to pass, however they then stopped where I was, the gentleman paused and put out his arms for a hug. Now he doesn't speak, but I graciously gave him a hug and said God bless you. He looked in my eyes and just smiled. I told the nurse how sweet and she said, "yes". I then proceeded on in the opposite direction wondering what in the world was going on! I had never had interactions with this man on any other day. Then I thought to say a prayer of healing from him, and thanked God for allowing me to be his hands and feet, again....
Well the day wasn't over, I still had blueberry picking to be done. After making my way back home, stopping to cash a check so I would have the cash needed, I took a quick check at the weather before getting in my car and stopped to pick up the young mom and her son. Once we arrived they said, " pick quick, impending weather is coming". So I said a silent prayer and asked for protection while we picked. The boy and mom were exclaiming at all the blueberries covering acres of trees! They were so excited and started picking, chattering away and having a good time. We filled up 2 gallon buckets with no weather issues and just after leaving, not even half a mile down the road, we noticed it had rained heavily as all the roads were puddled. Once back at their little rental, she gave me a great big hug and said thank you so much for taking the time to spend with us. When I pulled up at our home my husband said it had been raining 45 minutes straight and had just stopped before I got home. God had truly answered my prayers and we were blessed with sunshine and protection during the entire outing. I was wowed once more by God's mercies.
Now I wish I could say everyday was as rich and meaningful as this day was for me, but it did remind me that we are blessed as much if not more in our obedience to God's still small voice and promptings, if we are willing. At all points I could have made excuses, not prayed, or been too wrapped up in myself to see the opportunities, but for the grace of God he allowed me to be sensitive to his promptings and hence I was blessed in return!
I pray you are encouraged in the sharing of my wanderings, and enjoy God's blessings and mercies each new day!
Song: https://in.search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=ytff1-yff25&p=steven%20curtis%20song%20something%20beautiful&type=
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