I know I’m not alone when it comes to having some down times, even down days, as this pandemic remains firmly in place. As much and as often as I tell myself that I am in the Lord’s hands, that I/we are well cared for, a sense of being trapped or lonely or both sweep over me like waves. I guess the latter comes from living on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. (That shows I still attempt to maintain a semblance of humour.)
When I got up this morning and prepared to go on my walk around our nearby athletic track, I admit I just wanted to hide. “No,” I told myself, “You’re fine. Have a healthy breakfast and head for the track.”
I did those things and after going a couple of laps, a lady I’d seen there a few times, stopped me (at a safe distance, of course).
“Aren’t you the lady who does a lot of baking?” she asked. “Yes, I make our bread and also I’ve been making bread and pies for the neighbours.”
“Well,” she continued, “I’ve been thinking about you and I have a couple of bags of flour in the truck of the car for you. I’ve just been waiting to see you here.”
I was stunned. I tried thanking her but simply couldn’t find the right words. Then, I asked her to let me pay for the flour. She refused.
“Pay it forward,” was her simple response.
Cruel and hate-filled messages have been circulating, so I wanted to pass this on with my heartfelt thanks to “her,” to our neighbours and to our church family.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Joshua 1:5
Keep trusting!
