I know I鈥檓 not alone when it comes to having some down times, even down days, as this pandemic remains firmly in place. As much and as often as I tell myself that I am in the Lord鈥檚 hands, that I/we are well cared for, a sense of being trapped or lonely or both sweep over me like waves. I guess the latter comes from living on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. (That shows听 I still attempt to maintain a semblance of humour.)
When I got up this morning and prepared to go on my walk around our nearby athletic track, I admit I just wanted to hide. 鈥淣o,鈥� I told myself, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e fine. Have a healthy breakfast and head for the track.鈥�
I did those things and after going a couple of laps, a lady I鈥檇 seen there a few times, stopped me (at a safe distance, of course).
鈥淎ren鈥檛 you the lady who does a lot of baking?鈥� she asked. 鈥淵es, I make our bread and also I鈥檝e been making bread and pies for the neighbours.鈥�
鈥淲ell,鈥� she continued, 鈥淚鈥檝e been thinking about you and I have a couple of bags of flour in the truck of the car for you. I鈥檝e just been waiting to see you here.鈥�
I was stunned. I tried thanking her but simply couldn鈥檛 find the right words. Then, I asked her to let me pay for the flour. She refused.
鈥淧ay it forward,鈥� was her simple response.
Cruel and hate-filled messages have been circulating, so I wanted to pass this on with my heartfelt thanks to 鈥渉er,鈥� to our neighbours and to our church family.
鈥淭he Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.鈥� Joshua 1:5 听
Keep trusting!
