Giving a ride to a stranger for my own good

Sometimes we so easily fail to see God's tidbits in our lives. We are always looking for the "big" stuff and ask HIM to help us with the great projects and we miss the everyday reminders HE is there with us, guiding, protecting, showing us a better way. I'm so grateful that I learned as a kid to pray for everything. Even if the rice had too much salt, I'd pray no one will notice I did not measure it right. (I never heard a complain though I have to clarify I only cooked rice twice while at home. Two of my sisters and my mom did most of the cooking.)

This morning I was heading to Collin County Jail. I have a Court order to visit with an inmate for counseling purposes and to make an assessment of her needs regarding counseling. I felt very privileged for the opportunity as I have been praying for this door to be opened for our ministry. Though I was free to be there anytime, I had proposed in my heart to be there at 10:30AM as I had a dental appointment at 12:45 at another City nearby. As I was driving, I saw this lady with a small, tiny girl (later found out she was 13 months old) walking with no coat. I thought it was too cold (54ºF) to be without a coat and felt specially moved by the little girl. I thought about turning and offer her a ride but I looked at the clock on the dashboard and decided I'd be late. I prayed, "God if you want me to turn let me know 'pronto' before I get too far." The light changed and I drove off and then passed another light and without thinking, like my arms where on 'auto' mode I did a u-turn. As I moved things on the front seat to accommodate her, I realized my driver's license wasn't where I put it, in the cover of my notebook held by a pen. I greeted the lady. She was wearing short sleeves, a very light t-shirt with her bra straps down her arms. The little girl had a sweatshirt on and pants. She smiled at me at we sat her in the back seat. I asked the lady if she lived in the government project in front of us and she said no. She said she and her husband are living in a nearby motel (about a mile where I picked her up). "So, you are homeless?" I asked. She said yes but that her husband now was working and they will be moving within a week or two to an apartment. I told her about our church having a clothes closet and food pantry and invited her to visit. She looked interested so I gave her specific directions and then dropped her at the Dollar General store. I told her I'd pray for her and then before leaving the store's parking lot I decided to look for that driver's license. I found the pen that was supposed to be holding the license to the notebook but no driver's license. I then looked underneath the seat and in my purse though I knew I did not put it there. I looked at the clock and realized I was going to be late as I had to go back to the house and looked for the driver's license. I had put it momentarily on the trunk of the car while opening the gate so maybe it was on my driveway. So, instead of turning to continue toward the jail, I headed back to the house. As I looked at the clock again, I thanked God. If I had not turned to pick up that lady, I would not have notice the driver's license was missing and once at the jail, I'd have to leave as you can't go in without it. As I got the driver's license (it was at the house), I also saw the Court order paper on the table. Though it was scanned in the system, I knew it was good to have with me just in case. I picked it up and again thanked God. HIS Holy Spirit prompted me to do something for someone only to point to me I was going to get nowhere without those documents. Once I got to the jail, the receptionist asked me if I had a copy of the order. I gave it to her while mentioning it was in the system and she did bring it up on her screen using the number on my copy. Praise God!

I had a great visit with the inmate and did a good deed that was meant for my own good and made it to the dentist on time. Isn't God great? He did not want me to waste my time. HE knew that license was back in the driveway and I'd lament driving 15 miles, going into the building and walk right back out. Each morning I pray for a divine appointment. I pray that I won't miss HIS promptings and the people HE sends my way. I'm glad that today I was listening as so many times I pray and then forget to alert for HIS guidance. I believe HE wanted me to reach out to this person (the inmate) as TODAY she re-committed herself to the Lord. HE makes sure HIS plans come to pass. AMEN!