Isn't it wonderful when you get a nice surprise. I was in Hallmark Card shop
looking at Thank You notes when a man came over looking for some special
ones. As a clerk came to help him, he said he needed three of those
pretty ones with the purple flowers on them.
"My wife just died six weeks ago and she told me to send a note of
thanks to everyone that helped her," he said. "I know she would like
those especially." This caused me to inquire a bit about the grief
journey he is on. "I never thought it would be like this," he
replied. I certainly understood as I have been down that road. From my own grief experience I now desire to help anyone going through it too.
I have a book, actually a journal for widows called Hope for Today and Tomorrow. Now was the time to tell him about a book for widowers. My friend, Nyle Kardatzke just published, Widow-Man. That was what he wanted. He immediately wanted to know where he could get one.
"I'm sorry I don't have one but here is my card and I can get one for you,
or better yet, you can get one on Amazon," I told him.
We had further discussion about dealing with the loss of your loved one and
then I went on over to pick out some birthday cards. Suddenly he came to
me and handed me a note, or at least that was what I thought it was and then he left.
Looking at the note in my hand I discovered it wasn't a note at all but a $20
gift card. Evidently he was so appreciative of our conversation that he wanted
to thank me. I was and still am amazed that a perfect stranger would
appreciate our conversation and the understanding and sympathy I gave him and
give me a gift. What a blessing. And more than that, what an example of
giving a blessing to a stranger. Obviously he was following the scripture we
have often heard, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you."
Each day is new and unknown. Let's go forward with joy and anticipation looking as to whom we can help. Isn't it interesting how the Lord is with us
all the time and has his special plans for you and for me. Takes us back to
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the
Lord," What a loving, wonderful, Almighty God we have that cares for
you and me all the time and "orders our steps and prepares the way that we
may serve him this whole day."
