The Rest Stop

JOYPEACE

============= I spend a lot of time traveling for my job. When driving long distances, I have found that the rest stops optimize my time, because I can do what I need to do and be quickly back on my way. On one particular day recently though, that was not exactly the case. It was a MountainWings sort of morning that I will never forget. The rest area was perfect, easy on and off the freeway, with restrooms very close to parking and the coffee machine was right by the restroom. When I went into the restroom, I noticed an older woman washing up over the sink basin, she seemed to be struggling just a bit. I said nothing, just tried to mind my business. She began to walk out of the restroom just as I was washing my hands. She appeared to be somewhat distressed while walking and I saw that both of her lower limbs were swollen, mottled and a deep purple color. Still I tried to mind my business; however, as I watched her struggle toward her vehicle, I felt an overwhelming compassion come over me. I began to pray for her as I watched her struggle. Tears were welling up within me and I felt as if God was telling me that he deeply loved her. I also felt I was supposed to let her know that; but still, I tried to mind my business. I returned to my vehicle and proceeded back toward the freeway. I then knew that as I was so busy minding my own business; I was forgetting God's business. We are called to be His vessels, not self serving vessels; called to share His love in everything we do. It was about a mile down the freeway before I found an exit to turn back around. I prayed to God that he would give me another chance. I prayed that if it was His will for me to speak to that woman; that she would still be there when I returned; that He would give me the words to say to her. When I arrived; the woman was still there. She was sitting in the passenger seat of her van with the door propped open. As I approached the vehicle I was somewhat nervous, but I knew that God would guide my steps. I startled her a bit when I walked up and placed my hand on her shoulder. I introduced myself and told her that I believed that God had wanted me to give her a message. He wanted me to tell her that He loved her very much and if she would just turn to Him that He would carry her burden. As I looked into her eyes, they were filled with tears. She kept saying "Thank you, Thank you". I then told her that though I did not know if she was ill, that God wanted her to trust Him to restore her health. I then asked her to pardon the intrusion, but that I felt so strongly that I was supposed to deliver this message that I had to return after leaving the rest area. She said that she had seen me leave earlier so she knew that I had returned. As I turned to leave she reached out with both hands to grab mine; like a baby grabbing for his mother, and she said with tear filled eyes....THANK YOU. I said "No, thank God, that He's a God of second chances." This was a simple moment, a minor distraction in my schedule; but, oh, how I was blessed. My reluctant obedience; my disobedience, was used for God's glory. First of all, because I had left, then returned, I think that woman believed what I told her. And secondly, it taught me that even in the sinful nature in me, God can work things for His glory. His will will be done. I'm just thankful I didn't miss out on being His vessel this time ....this MountainWings Moment. ~A MountainWings Original by Lezlie Russo, Elk Grove, CA~