Psalm 37:23 NKJV
When my youngest child was about 13 years old, we went through a bit of a tough spot and I had to be creative to find no-to-low cost entertainment for him. I decided test-driving sports cars would be good, because like most boys, Aaron was into anything with a motor, wheels and gas fumes. So off we went.
We tried several places but couldn't get anyone to come out to us. We had taken a shower - we were dressed nicely. Just because we pulled up in a 17-year-old car (great shape, just old), they didn't think we had the money? Gee, I don't understand. And you can't test drive, unless you can get someone to talk with you...
So after several futile attempts, we headed to the closest Ford dealer. I don't know if they drew straws and he lost or what, but within a few minutes, a salesman came out and treated us like we were going to buy a fleet from him. He was so kind to us, I wish we could have. However, I explained to him that we were just looking. He never missed a beat. Loaded us into the hottest Mustang on the lot, and as I maneuvered and manipulated that car into Houston traffic, in my best show-off-for-my-son-fashion, the man did NOT scream in terror - not even once.
When I drove back into the lot, popped the car into reverse, and whipped it back into the parking spot, (whipped being the operative word), I did notice that it could be said that the man's eyes were opened considerably wider than when we first started... (in fact, it put me in mind of Buckwheat from Spanky and Our Gang, when Buckwheat thought he saw a ghost). Nevertheless, the man was kind and gracious, shook both our hands and bid us farewell. As Aaron and I strutted to our car - Aaron because he was 13 and me because I had just impressed my 13-year-old son, we agreed that when we were able to purchase a new vehicle, we would come back and buy it from that man because he was so nice to us.
Fast-forward a dozen years. Meanwhile, several vehicles had been purchased...in other towns, in other states. Aaron was looking for a Yukon to purchase for his wife. They found one in a neighboring town and made the deal. At that time, we were carpooling, so Aaron made the arrangement to go by the next night after he dropped me off.
Well, with last-minute banking details, etc, he was running late to pick me up from work and asked, Mom, do you mind if we stop by the dealership on the way home? No problem. When we arrived, I chose to stay in the truck. I was comfy, it was climate-controlled, and I didn't have to move. Besides, I'm a people-watcher and I had a front row seat...
Aaron and his salesman came out to go over the vehicle. All the doors were opened and left open - the rear door was lifted and left open - the hood was opened...it's a guy thing, I'm sure. After about 10 minutes of the inspection, I wondered, What can they be looking for standing in back of the vehicle?
A few more minutes, and my son waved his hand in the general direction of the cab of his truck where I was. Another few minutes and the salesman walked over to the truck, so I hit the button and lowered the window to shake his extended hand, and he says to me, I know you - you live in La Porte, right?
Yes, I do.
Do you work at the bank or one of the local businesses?
No, I used to work at La Porte Elementary, (thinking he might have been a parent of one of the kids).
No, that's not it. I used to work at the Ford dealer in La Porte... (pause) THAT'S how I know you!! You came in with your son and test drove a Mustang!
My first thought was, I must have scared the fire outta this guy that he remembers me 12 years later! But what I said was, The same son who just bought that car from you...
He grinned from ear to ear. I didn't recognize your son all grown up, but I never forget a face. Then he said, What a blessing!
Truly, what a blessing! I love it when God makes a point of illustrating His faithfulness to us. A dozen years before, we wanted to be able to bless this man, but in the ensuing time, we'd forgotten about him. There we were in a different town, a different dealership, a different car company altogether, but God hadn't forgotten.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.
God DOESN'T forget us. The steps of both of those good men were ordered by the Lord. HIS timing. HIS blessings. Delayed according to our finite minds, but definitely not denied. How delightful!
Prayer:
Father,
You make all things beautiful...in Your time. Thank You for Your trustworthy faithfulness. According to Your Word in Psalm 27:13, we would surely faint unless we believed we would see Your goodness in the land of the living. Thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for all the things that work together for our good. We know You are ever mindful of us, working in us Your greater glory. Help us to be ever mindful of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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