Union Station in the long line of cars
It was the last weekend before Christmas… I was waiting in the endless line of cars at Union Station in Washington, DC to pick up our daughter, Jennifer. She had traveled from New York City to spend the holiday with us.
When our five daughters were teenagers I started the tradition of taking each one individually to pick out their Christmas gift. It served a threefold purpose; 1. Teenage girls wanted clothes, but are impossible to please. If they picked it- they would like it. 2. It gave quality time with each daughter. 3. There were no fights. Actually, the tradition of going separately started because of past history of fighting while shopping.
Each daughter got the same amount of money- and still do. Some spend theirs at thrift stores (to extend the amount of items received), while others choose one item for the allotted amount from a nice store.
Well, I had Jennifer’s amount tucked safely in my purse like a golden nugget. We were going shopping with it. I had no other money coming in before Christmas so this had to be saved for her. All the other daughters had already shopped for their gifts.
Horns were honking. People were hollering out of their car windows. God forbid, there was a car who had broken down at the front of the line- holding everyone up. A tow truck was backing up toward it. I could see people flailing their arms at the poor guy with the broken down car.
Then I saw him running down the line of cars… He must have passed 30 cars and then he stopped to knock on my window. I rolled the window down. “Ma’am, my car broke down and the tow truck driver won’t help me unless I give him money. I don’t have any. Do you by chance have the amount I need?” Why in the world did he pick my car?! It was probably the worst looking car in the whole line up and the oldest! I was missing a hub cap. The top of the car’s paint was chipped off and peeling. There was a dent… All I could think was, “Lord, not my golden nugget saved for Jennifer?! You wouldn’t ask for that would You?”
Reluctantly, I reached inside my purse and pulled out Jennifer’s gift money and gave it to the desperate man. He said, “Thank you. My mom is dying of cancer. She is waiting up there for me by the car.” I said, “I’ll pray for your mom!” He received the prayer, we fist pounded and then he ran to the top of the line.
About that time I saw Jennifer waving at me. She got in the car… I was so sad I had used her money. After arriving home Dale said to me, “Sharon, someone gave us an envelope this morning at church.”
I opened it and inside was the EXACT amount that I had given to the guy in line at Union Station!
Jesus?!?! I was stunned. Then the verse came to my mind, “Give and it will be given to you, shaken down and running over. . . “ The next day there was money on our counter when we got home that wasn’t there when we left! Jesus?!!
When we give as unto the Lord He always takes care of His people. He always provides what we need. What an honor to give to people in need! What an honor to give to ministries who are bringing in the lost and encouraging believers to the highest call of God in Christ Jesus. I am blessed beyond words to be a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries. And now, we are doing an end of year giving campaign.
Would you consider giving to Proverbs 31 ministries? Maybe even making a monthly pledge?
Your support will help make ministry possible to over two million people through social media, Bible studies, and many other avenues. He will bless you for your contribution! He is faithful to His word. I’ve experienced His faithfulness!
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38 (ESV)