Set Up for a Divine Set UpI

I SET UP the appointment for my car’s two-hour scheduled maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.). A couple of days later, Wednesday, I am handing over my keys and car to the service technician at my car dealership’s service area.

I make my way to the waiting area. I grab a latte and a muffin at the snack bar and meander around to find a quieter spot than the waiting area where people are on their phones, computers, or in conversation with those around them.

Aha! I see, tucked away, a quiet area with a sofa and chairs in the auto showroom. I think “Perfect! I can probably write a couple of blogs there!”

Before long, my car salesman sees me and is excited to show me photos of his kiddos. That’s a big deal because my car purchase ended up way more than that. We became friends and I came to understand that he and his wife had long been trying to have children of their own, but to no avail. Since then, they have been fostering a young boy and now, his sister. The adoption for the boy will take place this month and the sister, soon. I hugged him and expressed how proud I was of them for loving to that depth.

I think, “There you go again, God, setting up a divine encounter!” Before long, a beautiful, well put together woman is walking by me and shouts out “I love your boots! Where did you get them?” Conversation ensues about me being the winner of the Imelda Marcos Shoe Award (true story for another day). We have a lighthearted chat. I find out she is the finance manager for the dealership and before long, departs to help a customer. She returns and what is initially chit chat, quickly becomes more about life and our “stuff”.

I tell her about my blogs, how I started when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer and intertwine the details with how, with God, I am a survivor and thriver because of God’s good grace. My openness SETS UP her story. She responds: “I have Stage 4 Colon Cancer and here I am 30 chemo treatments later. Doctors gave me little hope, but I found a doctor in Houston who not only has hope herself but encourages me to HOPE.”

She let me pray with her. I pray that my words fueled her to carry on with that amazing determination. Her son is getting married in November. I have no doubt she’ll be dancing with the groom at the reception. It would be easy for her to throw in the towel and give up. The same with the car salesman. Throw in the towel on having children.

Here’s what I know. And, I ask my readers to know also. “ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love God….” (Romans 8:28). I can’t emphasize it enough. Those of us who love God, experience it. Look at this day: a car maintenance appointment at precisely 10:30 am (I thought best for MY schedule); a decision to find a quiet corner (I thought best for MY peace and quiet); a car salesman and gratitude; a finance manager and hope. Not my idea; but God’s idea all along.

Both of my encounters this day were about hope or a “throw in the towel” mindset. I remember times when I could hardly take a deep breath because of the utter pain and fear of what tomorrow would hold. BUT, God! And, were it not for my stuff, would I understand, and be compassionate about the stuff of others. AND, be able to concede to God’s timing to be His rep in times like these.

There is so much uncertainty in this world. So much heartache, pain and suffering. It’s enough for us to crawl in hole, or at the very least to pull the covers over our heads and stay in bed. Instead, what should we do?

We wake up AND get up. I say it again. “We are still here – on purpose for a purpose – so we’re not done.
Are you suited up for divine appointments? It’s so simple. To just be. Being God’s hands and voice to those who need His love and encouragement. Here I am. Lord, send me!