August 2 - Dan Finney
Over the last couple months I keep thinking about one particular God Moment even though I didn't think that much of it at the time and have a list of other seemingly more momentous moments I wrote down. Today while going for a run I was thinking about this and realized perhaps that's the point - have I been discounting or taking for granted many of the simple blessings experienced in everyday life? The more aware I become, the more I realize the extent to which God is right up in our face, showing himself at work through the living beauty of his creation and working through human agency.
In the late afternoon at our final campsite (returning from a road trip) an elderly couple pulled into the spot next to us. I introduced myself and gave them a few words of welcome. That was it! Shortly after I went to the campground store and realized they would not be open in the morning when we would be leaving. I knew there were no stores nearby or between us and the interstate so I would not be able to head off with a hot cup of coffee. Interestingly, up to that point in 6 weeks of travel I had never had a cup of hot coffee before driving many miles with Brian sleeping in the back. But for some reason, I distinctly lamented in my thoughts about it.
It was wet from a storm overnight when I started breaking camp at 6am and tossed Brian in the back of the SUV so it was quite a surprise to see Marjorie and her husband Anthony sitting at their little table under the camper awning (only ones up in the whole camp). Next thing I know, as I was wrapping up, Marjorie tells me she has hot coffee for me to start my day. Can you imagine that! Then she walks over with coffee in a nice aluminum thermos cup and insisted I keep it! Wait a minute, this elderly couple pulls in next to us with many other open spots they could have chosen, get up before 6am as if they are waiting for me, and offer me coffee in a nice mug after me having that fleeting thought about wishing the camp store would be open for a cup of coffee. Of course I was praising God and told them what a blessing it was, but did I really down deep realize or believe this was another example where God showed unmerited favor Directly to Me? Is he really this close to us - I believe he is! Do we believe his word "Though He is not far from Each One of Us" Eph. 17:27"? I do.
It was clear they were readers from seeing them with their books the prior evening so I happily gifted them a wonderful devotion book I had and visited for a few minutes before driving off. Now that mug is a daily reminder to thank God for them and also wonder if they were regular people being used as instruments of God's grace or Angels (second time in my life I've had that feeling). Interesting that 6 months earlier I was blessed with another gift from someone I continue to pray for because I am likewise reminded when I use that wonderful butter dish every morning making my toast and pouring my coffee.. and her name is also Marjorie.