The other Saturday, Breadcrumb, his Dad and I embarked on a lengthy trek to Oxford for a suit fitting (Breadcrumb's Dad is to be an usher at his Auntie's wedding and the closest designated shop happened to be there). We decided to use the opportunity to see a long unseen friend of ours, hence the whole family went. Needless to say, Oxford pubs are not particularly toddler friendly and I spent a lot of time with a wriggly child in my arms. So by the time the actual suit fitting was taking place I was not a happy bunny.
And then this happened:
A woman broke out of the steady flow of tourists and shoppers and approached us. "Hello" she said. "Sorry to disturb you, but I just wanted to say that Jesus loves you." That knocked me out of my inner angry grumbling and after a brief moment of stunned silence I replied: "I know!". "No, really" she continued. "He has a plan for you." "I know!" I replied much more enthusiastically. "Well, you have a lovely day then" she said and walked off.
And I thereafter, I did.
Sometimes we just need to be reminded that there is a higher purpose behind all of our difficulties and frustrations to make them go away.
I have to say that I admire that woman's courage and conviction because honestly, I could have sent her packing in a very unpleasant way. She had no idea what my reaction was going to be. Yet she obeyed God (as I have do doubt He was behind it) and did His bidding. And I'm still feeling thankful to have been at the receiving end of that message and I still remind myself of it frequently when negativity threatens to take over. I wish I could let her know how much good she has done that day.
*The title is inspired by Leah's recent post on What Not to Say to a New Mom