Tuesday evening I returned from an out-of-state visit with family. Steve picked me up at the airport.
“Where would you like to go for dinner?” he asked as we walked toward the luggage carousel.
“How about the Korean restaurant?”
Just thinking about their savory dishes made me even hungrier than I already was.
Minutes later my suitcase was stowed in the trunk. We drove out of the parking garage and approached the exit tollbooth.
Steve rolled down his window. “Good evening!” he called to the female attendant.
“Hello,” the woman responded dully, without even a hint of smile.
“Hard day?” Steve asked.
She reached out to take the ticket from his hand. “I’m just frustrated,” she responded.
A quick glance out the rear window assured me no other vehicles were in sight. I felt compelled to engage with the hurting woman; Korean kimchi could wait.
“Nobody’s coming,” I said to the woman. “Would you like to tell us about it?”
After a slight pause she began to share.
“I am a college graduate, but since I’ve become disabled, this is the only job I could find. It’s just three days a week, too, and people are so RUDE!”
We nodded our heads in agreement.
“What’s your name?” Steve asked.
“Ginny*,” she replied, and indicated her nameplate on the booth.
Oops. Steve and I had both missed it.
“Well, Ginny,” Steve continued, “we are people of faith and have seen God answer many prayers and provide many blessings. We’re going to be praying for you.”
Her first blessing was instantaneous. Steve handed Ginny a generous tip, and she smiled.
“You don’t need to do that.” She tried to give the money back.
“No, no. You keep it,” Steve persuaded her. “Maybe it’ll make up a little for the rudeness you’ve dealt with today.”
“Well, thank you SO much! And may God bless you, too!”
“Oh, he does!” I assured her.
Steve pulled away from the booth before other cars approached. And I offered my first prayer for Ginny.
Thank you, Father, for the opportunity to provide encouragement. What a delight to see Ginny smile. I pray she experiences strengthened hope in you and saving faith in your Son, Jesus.
Yesterday morning, I happened upon Proverbs 13:2a and was reminded of our tollbooth encounter the night before:
Oh yes, Lord. We did enjoy good things last night with Ginny.
In our effort to lift her spirit, we too were uplifted. What a privilege to draw Ginny’s attention to you, relieve her stress a bit, and boost her morale. There’s also the joy of anticipation, knowing you will honor our prayers for her (1 John 5:14-15).
Then my imagination kicked in. I pictured us driving up to Ginny’s tollbooth sometime in the future. We’ll tell her how we’ve prayed for her.
Steve will ask, “How’s it going?”
And an effervescent Ginny will share that God has blessed her life in jaw-dropping ways.
In reality, however, it’s likely we’ll never see Ginny again. Part of God’s plan may be to graduate her from that booth into more fulfilling employment, long before we have opportunity for another encounter.
Oh, but wait. Perhaps we will get to hear Ginny’s story one day. And we won’t have to watch for cars approaching from the rear.
I’m picturing a picnic—Ginny, Steve, and me—seated by the crystal sea in heaven (Revelation 15:2). We’ll chatter away like old friends, celebrating God’s glorious blessings and miraculous ways.
Now that will be a very good thing to enjoy.
*Name changed.
* * * * * * * * * *
What good things have you enjoyed lately from the fruit of your lips? Please share your story in the comments below!
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From the Inside Out 
Time and time again, I see where God orchestrated an encounter. On the highway in a recent IRMA evacuation, I quickly prayed behind the wheel, for God to find me a person who knows how to use a smart phone, so I could see what was ahead of me on the highway. Immediately, I pulled off to get fuel, and right there in the pump in front of me, Ohio plates. I jumped out and tapped on the truck window, inside was a couple headed to Ohio, from right here in Florida. That were “tech savvy” and fixed me right up. I thanked them, and Jesus for yet another encounter with purpose. My spouse sometimes says I waste minimal prayers when I should save them for the big stuff. I say, keep an open line!
What a delightful story, Cindy, proving once again how miraculously he tends to our needs–sometimes through expertly-executed encounters. Thank you for sharing!
wow what a cool story. Amazing how powerful kindness is. We need more of it!
Delighted you were blessed by the story, Jean. And you’re right: there IS power in kindness!
What an awesome encounter, Nancy! I’m blessed just hearing about it. 😁. I pray that our Father will draw Ginny to himself and I praise Him for your willingness to spend a few moments to show His love to this dear woman. What a lovely thing it is to share His love and light, yes?
So glad this story blessed you, too, Rebeca. Another example of the ripple effect! Indeed, it is a lovely thing to share God’s light and love. Thank you for your prayer for Ginny. Perhaps you’d like to join us for the picnic by the Crystal River?!
I would like that very much! 🙂
Would there were more hearts like yours and Steve’s, Nancy.
Thank you, Mitch. It breaks my heart to see so many hurting people. The truth of an old song still stands: Jesus is the answer!
Nancy, you and Steve embody the Scripture that says to be ready “in season and out.”
And bringing refreshing to others, to boot!
Oh, I pray so, Jody! Thank you.
Hi Nancy,
In the busyness of life we are never too busy for Ginnys. Your time was his life should be spend.
Thanks,
Gary
Thank you, Gary. To be honest, I’m not always so quick to engage with people as I was with Ginny. But that evening at he toll booth, I truly felt compelled!
I pray the Lord gives you more opportunities and nudging from His Spirit.
Wonderful story! Here is mine: ‘Mom and I ordered the two for $20 at Applebee’s for Sunday evening dinner. It was for car side-to-go but I went inside to pick it up; I paid the $20 and the server discovered that he had given my order to someone else. So they put my order into the kitchen to be done ASAP and gave me back my $20. I could tell that the young man who had waited on me and had messed up felt very badly so I tipped him $5. He didn’t want to take it, but I talked him into it. His supervisor was standing right there and I told her that I wanted to encourage him in his job. I’ve never been a server but I know it’s not an easy job; and it was very busy. Mistakes happen!’ So I know how you felt after encouraging the tollbooth gal.
They’re going to remember you at Applebee’s, Cheri. You’ll be known as “that nice, understanding lady.” And who knows what fruit might come from your influence? Thank you for sharing!