I can't think of one single element of love that means more than simple kindness, can you? You know when someone goes the extra mile to make your life easier. Someone goes out of their way to help you and it renews your faith in mankind. I happen to believe God allows us these things just when we need them most, to encourage and lift us.
Traveling this week, we met up with one of my dear friends from those Jazzercise days. We planned dinner together at a great little pizza place. We met up, enjoyed our dinner together and after hugs and promises to see each other again next visit, Don and I hopped in our car and started to head out.
Quickly my friend realized she had locked herself out of her car. Oops! We pulled back in and just as men do, my husband began to access the situation to see if he could get the door open.
Because we are traveling, we neither had our regular sets of keys, everything pared down for the trip.
He needs a wire coat hanger. No one carries wire hangers anymore and I can tell you, one is going in my cubby space in the back of the car when I get home.
He began asking total strangers if they had her car model keys. He got some funny looks and a little shying away but as soon as they realized he was legit, they relaxed and most were quite sympathetic and kind. Thank you Lord for allowing us to see kindness.
It's been about 30 minutes and we know the sheriff won't come unlock the car unless there's a child locked in it. (Thanks a lot Osceola County Florida.. You were just a big help. Oh, no.. no you weren't) If we had a child in the car they could unlock the door! A locksmith will be at least $75. (I think not)
I'm pretty persuasive and decided I would take my car, drive around and see if I could find a sheriff or some business that may have a coat hanger lying around.. I'm not sure what I would say to the sheriff but I'm pretty sure I could get him there. Oh, and the rain is now at monsoon levels.
I start in the next logical place, Krispy Kreme doughnuts just to the east of the shopping center. I know it's hard to believe but no sheriff. I peruse a couple more businesses and then I see a hotel. They may have uniforms hanging up for staff and could have a hanger. I pulled in and made my request, the manager on duty was kind enough to contact his maintenance guy working this evening. He said he would look and get back to me. In about ten minutes he comes out and sadly he has nothing. He asks again where we are (by now the rain is so hard it is difficult to hear the man talk) He says he will look and if he finds something he will come over in his own car and bring it. I return to my friend, my husband and her locked car.
Just as my sweet friend is about to wave the white flag and wants me to call the lock smith...
My new friend from the hotel wheels in. Yeah! He has a tool in his hand to open the door, he's done this many times before working for a hotel. The raindrops are now as big as cats and the wind is howling around us. He and Don try once but must stop because of the wind and rain, he is soaking wet and cold. Once the rain calms down, they try again. Don is trying to shield him from the elements by holding an umbrella and light for him.
Bam! Finally, he's in the car!
As we hug him and thank him for the help. We tell him what a blessing he is today. His face lights up just a little. He asks if we are believers, then goes on to share how he's been going to church with a couple friends lately, he feels the Lord pulling him closer. It's been a while. He said, "and today has been an unusually dark day and for no reason".. A big smile on his face now though. He knows what is happening, he knows where the doubt and fears are coming from..
Don tries to pay him for his time, of course he won't allow it.
I'm sure there are those who will think this is only coincidence but I know different. When I think of the things that transpired and how they all had to come together to this moment in time for us all to meet. We shared with him, we will be praying for him on his faith journey and not to be discouraged, God has a plan for his life. Again, how he has blessed us tonight with his story and he can't stop thanking us for the encouragement we offer.
The rain is letting up, as we start back to our hotel I can't help but be amazed and excited at how God used us right there. Wow Lord, just wow..
Thank you Lord for Mario. Thank you for tapping on his hearts door again and drawing him close, for allowing us to share encouraging words with him and the opportunity to pray for him.
It was a good night.
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