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She was a bit slower than other customers who opted for the do-it-yourself checkout at Wal-Mart. She very deliberately bagged her purchases, inserted her cash payment, and then counted her change. Behind her in line, knowing I was just beginning my shopping stops for the day, I waited patiently, not wanting to rush her. She must have been wanting to push herself a little faster, because she apologized for being slow as she lifted her bagged purchases into the cart. It was then that the twelve-pack of sodas slipped to the floor. In a world where we are always careful to remain strangers, I momentarily hesitated, and then just as quickly, moved forward in the line to assist her. Between the two of us, the sodas went back into the plastic carrying bag, the candy bars were retrieved before they were mashed, and then they were bagged with the twelve pack. Her smile was warm and radiant as she thanked me, and with the innocence and faith of a child spoke the words, "God bless you." I returned the blessing and the smile.
Halfway through checking out my own purchases, she returned. She could not find the receipt she needed to present as she left the store. We both did a quick search between bags and in the hidden crevices of the check out counter to no avail. She was despairingly frustrated, thanked me again, and I know now, she must have prayed for the security personnel to be understanding as she walked back to the front of the store. Within a few moments, ready to retrieve my own receipt, I realized I had a wad of paper in my hand – it was her receipt! As I left the store, I presented both receipts to security, and discovered my new friend had been given the understanding she had prayed for. But now, for some reason, I wanted to find her, and let her know everything really was okay.
My eyes searched the parking lot as I returned to my car, but my friend was not to be seen. Uncharacteristically of me, I asked God to help me find her, but still did not see her. Reluctantly, I drove through the parking lot and exited onto the street. And there she was! I made a right hand turn from the middle lane and caught up with her in another parking lot. Calling to her, she recognized me immediately, and it was then that a stranger fully found a place in my heart. I told her I had found her receipt, which delighted her, but then with a childlikeness that few of us possess, and a God-given intuitiveness, the warmth she was so capable of told me that she knew we both loved and served the same God, " the Jesus-God." I offered her a ride to the bus stop she was headed for, and I learned more. Yes, she was limited in her ability to learn, but she was highly educated in her knowledge and understanding of a very personal God. She briefly shared the tragedies of her life with me, but her heart was full of peace and acceptance. Her bus ride would take her to visit her 15 year old son who was in foster care, because after the death of her alcoholic husband, she was unable to care for him alone. He favored Subway sandwiches, and she would bring him one.
The bus stop was much closer than I wanted it to be. I helped her unload her packages, and we both spontaneously embraced, and again gave each other a blessing. It was then I found out her name ... Susie. We knew we would probably never see each other again, but we also knew we shared the same precious faith. "Some day ..." We both said it, "We will see each other in heaven."
I pulled away from the curb, and I cried, and I thanked God for letting me glimpse so closely, although it was so briefly, one of the most beautiful of His artistry.I "‘Ah,’ He sighed. ‘You are the work of my hands. You are the essence of who I am. Your place will be a quiet one, but it will brilliantly display my glory.’"
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