My car runs on automatic pilot. It is programmed for work, church and the airport. So when the “check engine” light came on recently, it was a matter of concern because it hardly goes anywhere. With just under 84,000 miles it has been a well-behaved child for the past five years.

We first met in November of 2003, when my old faithful Saturn died. I was in the market for a new car and wanted to try a different automobile. A guy at work who has a “doctorate in car knowledge” convinced me that a Subaru Forester was the way to go. He had just purchased his after extensive research on the make and model. I was attracted to the car because it had a manual option (stick shift)- not an automatic; and only skilled drivers drive manual cars:) So, being a “skilled driver” I gravitated with keen interest to his “professorship.” I took the car for a test drive and loved it. I was sold!

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I returned to my one of my favorite stores the other day and was combing through the sales rack.  I found a few things and went to try them on. I noticed this salesperson would peep her head out each time I tried on a different outfit and parade in front of the mirror.  She would say, “Yes, that’s the one.” She seem to always know when I was coming out of the dressing room and head to the mirror. This went on for every outfit I tried on. I picked the ones I liked and then preceded to checkout. She saw me and came over to the register. While ringing up the clothes at the cash register,  she comment on how nice everything looked on me. After I paid for the purchases, she began walking with me out the door. Then she said, “Oh, I wish I could wear some of those things you bought.” I asked her why she felt she could not. She said because I bought mainly pants with tops. Then she flashed her hand in front of my eyes so that I could take notice of the big rock on her finger. She giggled and said she was engaged and getting married to a minister, so she now has to practice wearing dresses, since she will be a “first lady” one day. I laughed. Then with a serious look she said, “You seem to a woman of prayer, can you please pray for me?” I was baffled because I didn’t know how she guessed I was a Christian. I squeezed her hand and told her I would. I pray for her daily. 

I had an urge recently to go shopping. I hate shopping but it is a necessity when you don’t have clothes. So, I ventured out and went to one my favorite stores. They were having a great sale and I decided to accumulate all that I could with the few dollars in my purse. At this particular store, the salesperson gets a small percentage of your sale if they help you. I don’t like people bothering me in the store, so I usually ignore the salespeople until I absolutely need them, and that’s at checkout. On this particular day, this salesperson was getting on my nerves. She began following me from the moment I walked in the door. I tried to ignore her a couple of times, but she was persistent. 

After I sorted out what I was going to buy I approached her and said, “Since you have been following me all afternoon, do you want to ring up my purchases?” She laughed and said yes. Since I don’t go shopping all the time, when I do I usually buy a lot of clothes for the season. Summer was around the corner and I needed some summer wear. I must have spent close to $1100 this day on a few things. After she rang up the total, her eyes beamed with joy. She packaged my order and came out from behind the counter to deliver the bag to me. She hugged me and said, “Thank you, this made my day. Today is my final day working here. I’m retiring after 30 years and you made my day because this is the last order for me today and for the last order I will receive 80% of the sale as a bonus.” I was shocked! 80% off the sale, wow!!! She was happy and I was leaving broke this picture didn’t seem to add up in my favor.

Anyway,  as I was driving home, I could not help but remember her. I said a prayer and thanked God that I was able to make someone’s day. I was her last customer and SHE had a good payday:)

I was on my way to Ireland, flying out of Boston, MA. Toyed with the idea of arriving in Boston early so that I could visit with a few friends who lived an hour from Boston. This would mean flying from my home city at 6am to spend the day with them. My flight for Ireland was leaving at 6:30pm that evening. For several weeks I thought about it and changed my mind a few times because  of the early departure time. I hate morning flights, and considered the fact that I would be traveling that night to Ireland. Finally, one week before my trip, I booked the ticket and decided to leave early and spend the day in Boston. I phoned my friends and told them I was coming. So, they prepared for my visit.

I arrived in Boston, rented a car and drove to my destination. It happened to be alumni weekend at the college where I went to school. (My friends live in the community.) So, we went to the college to visit and attend the church service. I was sitting in church and glance to my right,  only to see a dear friend that I had not seen or spoken to in more than 10 years. I was remiss. I got her attention and both of our mouths fell open. She jumped out of her seat and came over to sit with me. We greeted each other and quickly caught with what’s been going on  in our lives. I thought she was there for the weekend since it was alumni, instead she reveals that she had been living in the community for several years. Her husband’s job moved him there a few years ago.  Then the story turned gloomy as she poured her heart out. Her husband had lost his job due to a downsizing. He was in the market looking for a new job. Her parting words were a request for prayer that he would find a job soon. I made a mental note and recorded it in my prayer journal. I’m still calling out their names in prayer. 

If I had not gone to Boston early I would not have seen her because my chances of being there for something else would have been unlikely. Something was nudging me to take the time and visit. I’m glad I did.