God Appointments Are the Best Kind

This picture was taken a couple weeks after we met, when Melody invited us to her daughter's first birthday party.  What fun!  We are so thankful God led us to meet that day at the park.

"Who is to say that God cannot work at the grocery store, the mall, and the park?  And who can imagine that God would not lead His children to usual places to encourage or to be encouraged in His name?  His mission field is everywhere." - S.S. 

We are extremely blessed to live near Amish country.  Every few months we pack a lunch, load up the van, and head over to enjoy the countryside and culinary treasures.



The shops, complete with horse and buggy parking spots, gas lit aisles, and helpful women with German accents who are dressed in a rainbow of colors - all made from the same pattern, never cease to delight us.  While we hold a different view of God and the Bible from most Amish people, we respect these quiet folks who keep their convictions and traditions alive.



It is a pleasure to acquire healthy food at an affordable cost for my family, as well as less healthy treats like sorghum frosted cookies and pecan sticky rolls. But, today we found an even sweeter treat I'd like to tell you about.



Our household hasn't seen an oat grain for a couple of weeks.  And we all greatly miss our comforting breakfast food.  Before leaving for work this morning, Tim removed every speck of doubt from my mind, strongly encouraging me to venture back to Amish country to replenish our supply. 



I began to question the plan, however, as I talked to God through several interruptions which clogged my way. A friend whom I felt was meant to go along wasn't responding to my messages, no one could find the checkbook, and we were getting a late start.  All in all I felt like I was groping in the dark.  But, we had a mission to accomplish (to retrieve oatmeal, and much more).  At last we were on our way, checkbookless, which means I didn't have enough cash to get everything on our list as well as items requested by two of our neighbors.  Sigh.  I despise being unprepared.  Amish stores don't take credit cards!



The oatmeal store was super busy, so we toodled down to the scratch and dent store (where fancy items nearing expiration sell for one fourth their regular price).  We found some unique items and healthy canned goods, stocked up on condiments for our upcoming BBQ, grabbed a handful of ooo-la-la nutrition-deficient snacks, and dropped our jaws as usual when the checker announced the low price. 



Still, there would not be enough cash for the other store.  So I headed a few miles into town to hopefully get cash back at the General Store.  Nope - they sent me across the street to the bank.  Finally, after a quick meeting with an ATM machine, we had the needed funds. 



Lunch time already?  We walked about seventy-five steps to the locally popular bakery/deli for a quick bite.  As it came into view, warm memories made my heart smile.  One year ago we had met my sister there for a farewell luncheon before Amira, our Filipina exchange student/daughter/sister, returned to her home in the Philippines.  That day everything had been just right.  But, today the prices seemed higher, and it felt stuffy inside.  It just wasn't right, so I turned around and headed back to the van.  We swung by Subway to pick up a sandwich and made our way over to the park.  Little did we know that God was directing us to our next appointment.



When we got there, another mom and her two boys were playing, while a cute red cheeked, curly headed baby gurgled joyfully near the sandbox.  Soon the four boys were having fun and the friendly lady and I began to talk.



In a nutshell, we found out that we are both Christians, and she and her husband have been looking for a good church.  She was so happy to hear about our church, just a few miles from their home, and wanted to know more. 



We also found out our shared interest in nutrition, which led to fun topics about food, cooking, and organic farms.  She was on her way to pick up their weekly supply of milk, eggs, butter, and grass-fed beef.  Before we knew it, we were following our new friends five miles down the road to meet a sweet farmer's wife woman named Clara.  Six of her adorable boys met us by the barn.  After buying some yummy food, my boys and I got to meet some goats, pigs, kittens, dogs, cows, and a horse that was born just this morning.  Priceless!



Before leaving I bubbled out to my two new friends, "God is good!"  And they both gave me a knowing smile.  God not only gave me two new friends and a chance to encourage them today - He also lifted my heart through these women, gave me a mission to share my church with a searching family, showed me that He can work through my jumbled up plans, gave my boys a wonderful farm experience, and directed me to a healthy food resource.  I returned home feeling so blessed!



God appointments are the best kind.  I've learned that praying before and during shopping trips isn't silly - it can lead to unexpected missions of God's leading.  And what a comfort to know that He can make good things happen despite a misplaced checkbook, a slow start, lack of planning, and diverted lunch plans.  Let's not look at "running errands" as simply mundane.  God has big plans for us and for the people we are going to meet. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

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