“Perhaps She Was Feeding Me.”

For the past six months, I often noticed this lady whenever I visit a certain store in my area. She was either sitting quietly on a bench or leaving the plaza.

From a distance, she appears to have nowhere to go. Yet she always carried herself with a quiet dignity.

More than once, I felt prompted to buy her something to eat.

One day, I told myself, “If she’s still there when I come out, I’ll ask her if she’d like something.” But when I returned, she was gone.

Another time, I went inside the store and purchased something for her, only to come back outside and find the bench empty once again.

I began to wonder if I would ever have the opportunity.

Then today happened. As I approached the store, there she was—sitting on the bench. Immediately, I thought, “Lord, You’ve given me another chance.”

Before going inside, I walked over and asked, “Would you like something to eat?” She looked up with the sweetest smile and replied, “God bless you, but I’m so full,” and gently patted her stomach.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said again. “God bless you.”

I responded, “God bless you,” and as I walked away, I carried her smile with me.

And the rest of the evening, I paused and pondered this brief encounter. God places people in our path who seem to have so much less than we do but somehow possess so much more.

More contentment. More gratitude. More peace. More appreciation for simple blessings.

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Perhaps the Lord wasn’t giving me an opportunity to feed her.

Perhaps He was using her to feed something in me.

To remind me that gratitude is not measured by the size of our possessions but by the posture of our hearts.

Today, a woman on a bench reminded me to be thankful for all things.

Thankful for family and friends.

Thankful for another day.

Thankful for every breath I breathe.

Reflective Questions

• Have you ever discovered that God was teaching you through someone you thought you were supposed to help?
• Who has God placed in your path lately to remind you to be grateful?
• Could it be that the blessing you were trying to give was actually the blessing you needed to receive?
• When was the last time a simple encounter changed your perspective?
• What are three things you’re grateful for today?

Father, forgive us when we focus more on what is lacking than on what You have already provided. Help us to live with grateful hearts and to recognize that every good gift comes from You. May we never take for granted the blessings that surround us—even the breath in our lungs. Amen.

Would love to hear your stories; pause and share in the comment section.

#PerhapsSheWasFeedingMe
#ChooseGratitude
#GodsUnexpectedLessons