I got to the post office early on Friday morning to send off my Christmas packages…wanted to beat the rush before the snow came in the next day…I was second in line behind another customer. As we waited for the doors to open two women came in behind us who I thought were together…but come to find out they were not. One sees my box and says “Aren’t we efficient! “She then proceeds to say, “Too bad we don’t write Christmas cards in the summer and include a personal note–when we have more time.” I would find out later that her name was Pat.
The other woman chimes in about how stressed she is, that she had yelled at her son that morning about his school work — he has projects, papers and so much homework to deal with — and in the midst of this she is trying to get her shopping done. She said she had been in the same clothes for three days!! Pat then says that she started her day with her devotionals at which point I say, “Praise God! That is awesome!” I said it doesn’t have to be this way, we are feeding into the culture when we get all stressed out! I told them that I was sending out gifts I had made over the summer and the fall and noted a package I had on top that was heading to my brother in law with a copy of Jesus Calling. I said to Michelle, “See this little package… it’s a copy of a number one selling book on the Wall Street Journal list titled ‘Jesus Calling’…so many read it. I suggest you go buy it, it will change your life! Pat even told her to give her son a hug and tell him how much she loves him! She was blown away and recognized it that this encounter was no accident!
I asked them their names and wished them a Merry Christmas and told them I would be praying for them. I got in my car and thought…”Wow another divine appointment!”
Mary – South Shore Boston – December 2013
