It happened like this.
It was a strange day. To begin with, I woke up a little sad. It's not unusual for me to wake up needing 3 cups of coffee before conversing, but I don't usually wake up sad. However, that particular morning, I did. And my husband suggested a ride and a brunch date in trying to cheer me up. It was a lovely day, with sunshine but a little too much wind. Too cold to sit outside anyway, so we opted to ask for a table indoors when we arrived at one of our favorite restaurants.
I couldn't believe it when they said they were full and wouldn't be able to seat anyone else, as they were closing soon. I was (again) so sad. So, we decided to order food to go and have a car picnic instead. We have been having those over the last few months due to this pandemic situation that we all find ourselves in. We've been making the best of our new normal. Now that restrictions are being lifted, though, we've been having fun going out to eat, shopping, and trying hard to have a life again.
So, although on this bright sunshiny day, when we thought our plans were ruined, God had a different plan. It turns out I was about to have a "God moment" or a "divine appointment". I was about to see God at work around me.
As I was waiting for our order to be brought upfront, and as my husband went to go get our parked car--unbeknownst to me, I was being observed. And as I was paying for my order and then starting for the door--a young woman was also going towards the door. I immediately stepped back and insisted she go first; of course, she did the same. We laughed, and I walked out and then held the door for her. It was comical; we both were smiling, even with our masks on.
As we were standing outside the restaurant, ready to go our separate ways, she asked if she could ask me a question. Sure, I said.
She said, has anyone ever told you that you look like Ina Garten? And I laughed and said yes. It's my haircut, I have a round face, and I'm short. She smiled and said, I think it's because you look so cute and lovely. Your outfit is so cute, too. Ina seems so sweet, like someone you want to hug, and you know she'll hug you back. She looks so approachable, and so do you.
Tears sprang to my eyes, and I was then so happy that I had a mask on. I wanted to go right over and give her a hug, and I know she felt the same way. Covid has a way of stopping those hugs; we've all been conditioned to stay 6 feet apart! But, you see, I've been so lonely this last year. Since I haven't been around people, I haven't been able to "minister" to anyone. I've been complaining quite a bit to God in my prayer time. How does a person with a counseling ministry counsel during a pandemic? How do I comfort people, hug people, and pray for people? It's been so hard. Or shall I confess--heartbreaking? That's how it's been for me these past few months.
And then, right there in front of a bit of brunch place stands a young lady, probably in her 20's or 30s, wanting to either get a hug or give a hug, and she speaks up and says something! That's why it was a God moment. However, I was the one who was ministered to that morning. In just those few moments, I received a spiritual hug from God. It meant the world to me. As my husband pulled up and I got into the car, I could barely speak. I needed time to process what had just taken place. God had met me in a real time of need. An emotional need, but a need nonetheless.
And that is how He works. He heard my prayer. He saw what my heart needed. And He answered me when I called. He used another human being to come alongside and say--you look huggable, and you look nice and safe. It's the way God made me, the way God uses me. And it made my day.
I know myself. I know what I'm going to do now. I'm going to be praying every day for that young woman. So that--if she doesn't know God, she'll meet Him. And if she does know God, she'll let herself continue to be used by Him. I'm going to look for her every time we go to that little restaurant on the other side of town. I'll never forget her. She ministered to me that day. And I hope she prays for me too. I hope she prays for Ina.
