The detail of this event is being captured on paper just prior to Christmas; and it’s a fitting encounter to write about because it tells of a tiny gift given to a very small and colorful recipient.
Most of my interactions with Jesus have been in the very “ordinary ways” of life. And I love sharing that truth because so many expect and desire to see God’s activity in the “spectacular” or “significant” events of life.
And if that is your anticipated vantage point, you will miss Him in the daily. He loves to show up and show off intimately of His care in the “tiny details” of everyday living.
This particular day was geared toward yard maintenance and weed eradication. I was passing by the small fountain in our yard and decided to add water to it as water was evaporating quickly in thin air with the warm climate.
I was about to flood the container when I noticed my favorite color of “red” floating in the water. I came near to investigate what could possibly be in the water. The closer I came, I soon realized it was a tiny little Lady Bug.
Upon close scrutiny, she was kicking and screaming, “Pick me up and let me off this ocean of water.” At least that was my interpretation of this little one’s predicament.
Time was precious and I dove in with my right hand to gather this Miss Lady out of the pond of death. If my eyes had the ability to “hear,” I would have heard a giant thanks from this tiniest of creatures.
I scoped the yard to see where I’d place her for safety. To my right was the perfect set of leaves to secure her little body. Within seconds she seemed to secure her airways and move her tiny little feet. Her body paused for only about ten seconds, then off she walked.
My position was still, and my heart was captured with delight at the small act of kindness which saved the life of this helpless Lady Bug.
As I left the fountain I felt the words of a profound truth come over me. We need to stop and look for small “divine opportunities” to MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY. It’s especially wonderful when our small acts of kindness are performed anonymously. You know the ones! The ones we do where opportunities flash before us and there’s no time to be thanked for our gestures of thoughtfulness.
In our life there are so many opportunities that come along to extend grace, love, and kindness, and to make a tiny difference in the lives of others, whether human or animals. I’ve shared her photo at the end of this story.
Yes, right now it’s the Christmas season, and people yearn for a kindness or a smile or parking spot at the mall. But what about throughout the year, in unexpected ways on unexpected days to reach out and share a smile or a gentle touch to another.
Before wrapping up the gift of this story, may I share two experiences I had just a few weeks ago at a local shopping mall? I was to make a stop at our local grocery store that was located in the mall and I encountered two wonderful “divine appointments.”
Before I entered the grocery there was a beautiful woman approaching my line of step into the store. I would guess she was in her 90’s. She was nicely groomed from head to toe, and looked so beautiful and fresh in her chosen attire.
I couldn’t help but approach her and tell her, “You look stunning!” Her eyes got big and a smile encompassed her face radiantly. I could almost see a tear in her eye. She expressed to me such a grateful “thank you.” I couldn’t get over her next comment. “I’m an older woman, and I never get that kind of a response from anyone.” I quickly realigned her thought pattern and said, “Honey, when another woman says you look stunning, you look stunning.”
From the look on her face, I think I made her “year.” What a joy that was for me to share that truth with her.
Then, I entered the grocery and my list had only one item left on it. I grabbed my item and headed for the checkout. Wouldn’t you know, the people in front of me had about twenty-five items, and glancing my way and seeing I had only ONE ITEM, no one offered to allow me to go ahead of them. Yes, I sighed and was preparing for the wait in line.
Then all of a sudden I heard a commotion of noise behind me, an older woman had taken a fall and people were scrambling to help her. My feet did a 180 degree turn, and the next moment I was holding the woman’s shoulders asking if she was in pain, then questioning if she was on any medication, etc. Within sixty seconds and with the help of two others, she was back in a vertical in position and grateful for her three “body lifters.”
All seemed well and everyone moved away from her, but I felt the need to remain and walk her through the checkout line. By this time we were “verbal friends” and we walked out of the mall and into a medical clinic just to check out her vitals. She assured me she was fine and I left her in the good hands of a nurse who assured me she would take care of this nice lady.
Upon leaving the medical office I realized I had dropped the item on a counter that I originally wanted to purchase in the grocery store. So my feet proceeded back to where I left my item, and then after paying for the item and walking out, my eyes caught the smiling face of my new “mall friend.” She was sitting comfortably in the lounge area of the mall and waiting for her ride.
As our eyes met, I rushed over to where she was seated. We embraced as though we were long-time friends. She looked beautiful and was physically fine. But what a frightening experience to fall over your grocery bags when you’re in your “young eighties” and standing in line.
Everyone was so pleased to be in her path when she fell so we could all bring assistance and loving support to this woman in distress.
Oh, the opportunities are endless. If we open our eyes and our hearts to be available for God to use our hands and our feet in the “ordinary ways” of others in bringing help where needed. It’s especially significant when it’s interrupting our day to fulfill a higher purpose in the life of another.
And yes, I gave thanks to Jesus for “interrupting my space in line” to be used on behalf of another.
Cups of Cold Water 