Blessing in the Bookstore

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)

“How old are you?” the lady asked my granddaughter, Emily.

Surprised at the interruption, Emily looked up from her reading. “Eleven.”

“Do you babysit? I used to enjoy it when I was your age.”

“No, not yet.” Emily said. 

The stranger held up the book in her hand, a financial book for children. Emily nodded. The lady left the store.

Emily returned to her favorite pastime of reading. Each Sunday after the church service, she retreats to the bookstore until her family summons her to go home.

Minutes later, The lady approached Emily. again “God told me to give this to you.”

Emily noticed money in the stranger’s hand. “No, you don’t have to do that.”

“Please let me bless you,” the lady said as she placed $11 on the open book Emily held.

She was ready to refuse again but her mom’s words came to mind. “If someone wants to give you something, graciously accept it.”

“Ok. Thank you,” Emily replied.

She quickly found her parents and relayed the amazing story. With a few dollars from her dad, she was able to purchase a girl’s devotional book that her mom had thought of buying for her. 

When she told my friend and me the story, we marveled at what the stranger did for a child she didn’t know.

  Because the lady felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit and acted on it, the blessing for Emily rippled to a host of other lives. How many, inspired by her kindness, will continue to spread the blessing? She certainly inspired me. 

Loving Father, thank you for kind strangers. Help me to be a blessing to those around me. Amen

Even in the Fog

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:7-9 NIV)

Blackness beyond my patio kept me focused on reading the Bible and my devotionals. Scriptures of hope, trust and love helped me pray for a variety of hurts and needs.

Custody issues with friends’ grandchildren

Death of a friend’s sister only months after the death of her son

A widow friend’s health issues and extreme pain

My older granddaughter’s hospital stay and continuing illness

Heartbreak of placing an aging parent in assisted living for a cousin and friend

A friend’s son in rehab

A friend’s back pain from an auto accident 

Death of my parents’ long time friend

A friend’s constant caregiving for a parent and sibling

Group of friends dealing with the death of a spouse ...

The list went on and on. Their hurts became my own. 

Anticipation of another glorious sunrise halted with the rising sun. Instead of a clear sky, a shroud of gray wrapped the lake. Only a touch of green grass by my patio and a lone oak tree could be seen clearly. 

Everything else beyond my lanai was hidden in a haze. One day earlier a marvelous pink sunrise glowed in the sky and reflected on the lake. Green pine trees stood as sentinels on the shore. A flock of turkeys waddled across my lawn. A chorus of bird melodies blocked the highway noise. Fog obscured the beauty as I searched for a break in the clouds.

However, I still rejoiced at God’s marvelous creation. Not because I could see it but because I remembered. The early morning fog reminded me that I don’t always see Him in overwhelming circumstances even though He is there. He doesn’t always remove obstacles but holds us closely as we walk through them. I trust and hope because He has been faithful.

Father, thank you for being patient when I become discouraged and don’t see you. Help me remember to notice you in all situations. Amen