My mom left yesterday with the kids at 2:30pm for the night (oh, how they/we are loving them local!) I was out yesterday afternoon and texted B that I was going by Cingular. (Santa had told us to go look at *something* there for the kids). So, I go in...they needed my driver's license to confirm who I was before they would pull up our account. Now, I'm not gonna tell ya' that I haven't seen my DL in a week! Seriously! (I'm only assuming if I would do the laundry I would find it the the back pocket of a pair of jeans....) So, I asked them if they would look at my Sam's card, health insurance card, checkbook...etc. No. They needed a DL, state ID, or my Passport. I looked at the man like Yeah, sure, I carry my passport everywhere...just in case I need to hop a plane! :-/
Anywho...I went out to my car to look ONE MORE TIME for my DL...just in case it was in the console or the
So, of course the moment came when I had to call B. (I prayed first) He was a good hour away, so I knew I would just have to wait. Patiently. So, I sat in my car....watching my phone battery die - and not being able to charge it, because all power was disabled! I got the idea to call my insurance company to see if we had roadside. I explained to her quickly that my phone was about dead, and I was in a safe location...did I have coverage for a locksmith? *No, ma'am. Would you like for me to transfer you to the department to add it??* WELL HECK NO!! So, I sat. I didn't want to close the car door (not sure why...couldn't do anything with it) but I knew I couldn't get it back open. (unless I found another small child, of course) So, I left it cracked and went to sit inside the store...I guess for different scenery.
As I was going in, there was a gentleman who parked in handicap, coming in w/a walker. I waited and held the door open for him. He thanked me and commented on my black toe-nail polish, and said God Bless You. (Did he think I was a freak??)
I told Dave my phone was dead and he found me the only charger in the store for a Palm Centro (no, I haven't bought a new phone.....YET!)
He plugged me in and gave me a chair IN THE CORNER! (He obviously knew I would be there a while) He asked me if we had roadside asst. w/Cingular. I had no idea. So, he was checking for me. All the while, I noticed that older gentleman leaned over their counter on their telephone. I didn't want to listen to his conversation, but couldn't help but hear bits and pieces. I heard him say *So, you are going to punish me in this liberal world for being frugal? I don't have a credit card....I have money...are you saying I can't pay you through my bank account??* Dave heard this convo too, as did everyone in the store. I asked Dave if the man was trying to pay his bill. He said *No - he doesn't have a phone with us. He comes in here to use our phone. That's Mr. B* (I'm omitting the man's name) I had no idea of the situation on the phone; I just knew something had my attention. So, Dave proceeds to tell me that I don't have roadside, but I could add it and then call for assistance. Cool. Done. Free for 30 days....and $2.99/month. Fine. (cheaper than AAA - and this one incidence will make it worth it!) So, I called, from my charging phone, for assistance. *No, ma'am, it takes 72 hours to activate your roadside service* YOU ARE KIDDING ME!! So, Dave, again - my BFF, calls from his phone to get ME roadside help. He stays on the phone for at least 15 minutes and we learn they don't have means to open my trunk. Only my dealership can. (or my sweet honey with the extra key, who I am so patiently waiting on!) So...I wait. Still visualizing Bryan still rolling his eyes.
I continue to hear *Mr. B* on the phone, asking the same questions....come to find out, he had been sent to another department. He hung up the phone and started gathering all of his little notes, and I felt something inside me that I was supposed to help him. I had no idea why or how. But I walked up to the counter and asked him *Sir, can I help you?* He said, *No, I just need to get my papers back in here.* (he had a plastic baggie with all sorts of notes that were obviously very important to him. He carried them in the front basket of his walker.) He then said, *This country is punishing people like me because we don't have credit cards. I don't have credit cards. I never have. I do have money.* I again said, *Is there a way I can help you?* He said, *I just wanted to buy a book. Sarah Palin's book.* (My first thought was I could go to Books A Million and buy him the book - but then I understood. He could have done the same. It was the fact he wanted to save money. He had seen a commercial to get the book at a discounted price. This dear man valued his money and saw no sense in going to pay even a few $$ more elsewhere. He wanted the offer of a lower price. So, I explained to him that we don't have credit cards either, but I did have a debit card and would be happy to help him. Bless his heart...after I explained to him how a debit card worked, he was so happy that he was going to be able to get his book. He pulled out his wallet and assured me that he had cash to pay me. I nodded and told him, I had no doubt. Let's just get your book ordered. I asked him if he wanted to sit in the chair, while I made the phone call (again....on my charging phone). He handed me a card with his address on it.
I did call....ordered his book...and had it shipped to him.
He had tears in his eyes. He was so surprised that someone - a *stranger* - was willing to help him.
I didn't at all feel like I did anything out of the ordinary. I had no idea at first what I was even offering to do. Or if I could do anything. I just knew this voice inside me was nudging me to do something.
Before he stood up to leave, I told him what an pleasure it was to meet him, and that I wish my husband was here to meet him as well. He said he would love to meet B. He would love to have a conversation with him. With both of us. He proceeded to say, *I would love to tell you about my best friend. He is my Lord and Savior. Do you know Him?* I smiled and said, *Yes, sir...I sure do. He is pretty amazing* - Amazing enough that He nudged me hard enough that I felt him 30 minutes before and got me to my feet. Not that I could help someone else, but to bless ME. My conversation with *Mr. B* continued for another 20 minutes or so. He really blessed me. He reminded me that regardless of where we are or the situation we are in, we should always be available to help someone. Willing to help someone.
I didn't know when I held the door open for this *stranger* at 4pm yesterday that God would use him in my life. I still this morning can't quit thinking of all that we talked about yesterday as I sat on the floor beside him at the Cingular store. I am still overwhelmed at the situation.
I asked Mr. B what his plans are for Thanksgiving. He said, *I just plan to vegetate. Could I take your family out to lunch?* I assured him I wasn't asking him to take us to lunch.
He left. And Bryan arrived soon after. I couldn't get the story out fast enough to Bryan. I think we both agree that I didn't lock my keys in my trunk only because I lost my mind. We had a new friend coming in Cingular. And had I not goofed with my keys, I would have never met him.
See, *Mr. B* lives alone in a local assisted living home. He will not be with family or friends on Thanksgiving. He's not rushing around today cleaning for a house-full of visitors or to buy the last minute groceries to prepare an elaborate meal. He is enjoying being where he is. Remembering to tell strangers about his Best Friend and all He has done for him in his life. But as a family, we are looking forward to visiting *Mr. B* in the morning, with a meal in hand - sharing not only our time, but also God's love. Because, holiday or not, that is what we are here on Earth to do. We get so busy and so easily distracted in our busy worlds that we so often miss opportunities God has right in front of us - to share Him. It's amazing God works in the places and the times we least expect. And I am so glad I felt that nudge to go to the counter and ask *Can I help you?* - because it has certainly made a difference in my life.
Happy Thanksgiving - Be Blessed!
**And on a side note - I told B that we could NOT leave that store last night w/out buying those things for Santa or I might be banned from the store! ha! And...if you are in the market for a car....Mercedes has a helluva security system! ;) (and I also won't tell you my DL was in my wallet the.entire.time! only in the wrong slot!)
