Santa in Overalls...

I had an interesting day...interesting, but good. Let me tell you what the Lord did. I decided to go to Wades and get something yummy. I stood in the express lane, thinking I was getting it to go. Turns out, I was in the wrong line. I was actually in line with Santa in overalls. This dear, old strawberry farmer was in front of me in line and we struck up a conversation. He liked the t-shirt I was wearing that reads "My husband rocks". I told him about Andy and what he is doing. He said, "God bless you ma'am and God bless your husband." We continued talking. It was a VERY long line. Turns out I was in the line to dine in. So I went down the line and choose some AWESOME turkey and dressing and green beans. He was in line to pay in front of me and he said, "I'm buying her lunch today too." I kept saying, "Thank you, sir, but you don't have to do that." He said, "I know, but I want to." Well, we get into the dining room and there is literally ONE table for two in the whole place. I sit down and he stands there. I say "Please, sir, join me for lunch." He sat down and I asked him if I could pray for lunch and big tears welled up in his eyes. He took off his old farmer's hat and bowed his head. I prayed for Andy and this farmer's ailing wife. We just sat and talked at lunch about what Andy is doing and the strawberry business. He had a truck filled with baskets...enough for 1000's of my famous strawberry shakes. :)

This is what struck me...God sent this old fella to minister to me...why me? God's grace is so sweet, just like strawberries. The Lord knew (and was the only One who knew) that I needed a lift today. But, in some way, I pray I ministered to him by just listening and praying and smiling across the table. When I left he said again that he would pray for Andy and me and the girls. He offered me some strawberries, but I was already so humbled by his kindness, that I declined. So "Big O", the strawberry farmer sends his regards to a certain chaplain and was delighted to treat me to lunch today. Doesn't this always happen? God sends unexpected people into my life to encourage me? Sometimes the most unlikely people...in the most unlikely of places. And now, Santa in overalls...the strawberry farmer from Chesney who thinks what we're doing is important. He found a kind way to say, "Thank you." I won't ever forget this day...Thank you, Lord.

LT