Choices

The impact of my experience in the grocery store last month didn’t fade away after I related the story in my September blog. The extraordinary events of that day, that involved a store clerk, an old man, and God’s presence, lingered in my heart. (Click here if you want to read the beginning of the story!)

Because of what the store clerk and I witnessed that day, I longed to see him again and relive the wonder. God showed up because of my prayer that morning:

Please help Your presence be obvious in my encounters and conversations with people today.

The clerk and I hadn’t exchanged names, so I called customer service. I described him the best I could, and the man on the phone concluded it was Frank. When I explained I wanted to come to the store to talk with Frank, he said, “He’s working today and will have a break at noon.”

I climbed into my Malibu for the short drive to the store, where I caught the attention of an employee coming out of the customer service area. After explaining my mission, the man pointed to Frank’s aisle.

I turned. There he was, full of energy and smiles for his customers, just as he was the day I stood in his aisle to pay for my purchases.

As the clock approached noon, the service man informed me of his plan to tell Frank that someone was waiting to see him. My excitement mounted. Our reunion was about to begin.

I hovered near Frank’s isle. He finished with his last customer, tossed the “closed” sign on the conveyor belt, and looked up with a huge smile.

“How are you?” He remembered me!

I beamed! “I wanted to come see you again after what happened last month.” He came around the counter and gave me a big hug. After the old man left the store during my first visit, Frank and I talked about our mutual desire to show God's love to others, which formed a natural bond.

We took turns describing how each part of that morning impacted us.

“Thank you for paying the balance of the old man’s bill that day. That was very kind,” Frank said.

“I knew Jesus wanted me to.”

Frank continued, “Every day I encounter that kind of situation, especially with those depending on state funds. I always try to help them.” When I inquired further, he humbly confirmed he paid out of his own pocket.

I also learned that Frank had retired, but returned because he loves being around people and serving on the customer service team. It’s a perfect fit. And obviously part of God’s mission for him.

Then I handed Frank a copy of my September blog. “I wrote this story about our shared experience and I want you to have a copy.” Tears welled up in his eyes. “Thank you so much. I’ll read it during my break and probably cry.”

We agreed that God had orchestrated everything that took place in that narrow check-out aisle, including the chance to acknowledge God to the old man.

After hugging once more, we parted ways. I headed toward the door, but suddenly had an urge to take a picture, almost as if I needed visual confirmation that God’s unique answer to my prayer truly happened.

I called to Frank. “Let’s take a picture as a remembrance.” He immediately recruited a friend to help.

God uses each of us in creative ways to show His love to others.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ,
and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him
in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God
among those who are being saved and
among those who are perishing."
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 (NASB) 

Many viewers responded to my original post by relating ways God has used them to make a difference in people’s life. I selected a few stories that I hope will inspire you as you seek ways to become the “fragrance of Christ” to those around you.

Pat Hunt

Gail, I read your story about your encounter with the “older” man in the grocery store. You asked your audience if we had unforeseen encounters when God used us to minister to those God put in our path.

Yesterday, in the common area at the Westmoreland Union Manor, I ran into my friend, Bonnie, whom I hadn’t seen for a long time. Her health had declined, so I told her I’d pray for her. She was astounded that I’d write her name in my already-long prayer list. She thanked me and we parted ways, only to be reunited later that day in a local grocery store, by God’s providential timing.

We talked more about God and His Promises in His Word. The word “hope” dropped into my mind, and I told Bonnie to hang onto hope, for without hope we tend to give up. I added, “I’ll find a promise in the Word and claim that for you.”

She got teary-eyed and asked me to let her know the promise. A few hours later, while looking for a card to give to her, I found a small packet of Hallmark cards I’d forgotten about. The front of one card said, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). Wow! That was the perfect verse and promise for her. I felt blessed to write this promise of hope in her card!

I pray each day that God will use me, and I will be ready in season and out of season!

Rebecca Carpenter

I loved your story. I also ask each day how I can help someone. My husband, Alan, always used to say, “We never know who is watching.”

Lois Nobles

Yes, we express God’s love in actions in daily life. Gail is always ready to do this.

I was with a friend and suddenly she chocked up and could not breath or speak normally. Her face became pale and expressionless. I prayed out load, “Breath is God’s inspiration, He maintains our normal body functions, and He is present here and now. We are his spiritual creations. Human mortal circumstances cannot change our perfection and relationship with God.”

Soon after my prayer, she regained her normal breathing and speech. We thanked God for saving her life.

Beth Augee

I love your musings. Besides hearing about how God is using you and your literary giftings, it also shows your continuing sharing of Jesus as a way of life.

That is what Rod and I love to do. In fact, last Monday, while sharing "7 Ways Doing a Puzzle Benefits You" to a group of recovering heart patients, I caught the eyes of a first-timer to our monthly meetings. She had just shared her heart story, including the words, "Well, at least it is better than the alternative (meaning death)."

God spoke through me, as I smiled and said, "Because I am a Christian, the alternative sounds pretty good to me."

She smiled back, and several others, whom I knew are followers of Jesus, also smiled with looks of joy and confirmation. The other attendees heard about the hope that only Jesus can give them.

Fourteen years ago, I had a heart attack and have had several other moderate heart issues since then. Because I wanted to “give back” to the local hospital for their excellent care, I became a volunteer and began visiting heart patients and families in the Cardiac Care unit.

When a national heart support group, Mended Hearts, was in the process of opening a chapter at our hospital, I became involved. I served as president of three chapters over twelve years. Though not a Christian organization, Mended Hearts opened many doors for love and encouragement to people in hours of fear and unknown futures. Volunteering with Mended Hearts gave me many opportunities to share the love and saving grace of God.

Click here if you want to read the beginning of this story in my previous blog.

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