Shares

Be Watchful for Your Blessing!

My family and I were traveling in Toronto, Canada on a working vacation in 1988. The kids were getting to see lots of new things, especially having fun trying to pronounce all the French words, speaking to each other in fake French, then giggling. To keep our expenses low we had dinner at a Burger King.

A Target for Our Blessing

As we placed our order, I noticed a haggard old hunchback lady, dressed in the red and yellow “BK” uniform and little hat with a tiny brim. She was hurriedly picking up trash, washing the structured little tables (that everyone is supposed to happily fit into) and generally cleaning up.

The ugly look on this lady’s face was remarkable; squinty-eyed, lips drawn tight, lines all over her face. She was the type of person most people would ignore and at the same time hope she wouldn’t see them. I had no idea the blessing about to unfold.

Our 4 kids gathered around their table grabbing at their fast food. My wife and I squeezed into our seats, a short distance away. (Wanting a little peace and quiet, we were still able to see the kids.) I said “I think God wants me to bless that old lady over there with some money.” My wife not only agreed, but said, “He’s telling me $20!” So before we prayed over the meal, I struggled to my feet and moved toward her.

Wow! What a weird feeling. My heart started racing, my legs felt like sticks and my head didn’t seem like it was part of my body. The distance was closed quickly. I snuck the bill into her hand before she could see who was giving it to her. “God loves you and he wants you to have this,” I quickly said. Never expecting to ever see her again, I slunk back to my wife and the awaiting dinner.

I took two bites, began discussing where we should stay that evening and the general plans for the next day. Suddenly, a vibrant, smiling, youthful lady was at our table.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Oh my gosh, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I just gambled all my money away – I know I’m not supposed to gamble – And I don’t but . . .”

She continued spouting rapid fire. “I came to work tonight without any money in my pocket. We close down at eleven o’clock, but the buses quit running at ten. I had no way home, and I haven’t had dinner. I prayed to God and asked for a miracle – a blessing. Oh thank you. And . . . and . . . “

Amazing! That little old scrub woman had turned into a beautiful happy person – probably someone’s lovely mother. Not a horrible old witch, she was warm, outgoing, happy, intelligent and bright –a delightful lady with lots to offer.

We never saw her again, but of all the 20,000+ days in my life, this brief 15-minute episode stands out as a highlight. The $20? I’ve no idea how it would have been spent. (Even in the tightest of times, money just seems to come and go.) But that investment in her life was a treasure, more precious than some old piece of paper. We thought we’d bless her, but we received a far greater blessing.

How You Can Receive a Blessing

Often we hear religious talk – “don’t do this or don’t do that.” But, this event wasn’t about religion or our goodness or blessing another person with money! It was an opportunity to walk in the way Jesus taught. Some people attend church for a lifetime, but never have a relationship with Jesus. No one needs religion, but a relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

God gave us this instruction in James 1:27: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: To visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Try this: Be aware of people around you. Ask God whom he wants you to bless – not just financially. It may be a poor beggar or someone rich, who just needs a blessing knowing someone cares about them! Don’t let your head tell you who to bless, nor judge the person’s outward appearance to determine their need, but rely on the feeling deep inside your heart. (That’s the Holy Spirit.)

So, let loose of your money, time, energy or  things. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He’ll guide you into wonderful blessings you’ll never forget!