Ms. Mary

The other morning I got ready to fire up my laptop and start my work day when I realized I left my mouse for my laptop at at my business two blocks away.

<sigh> Why didn't I just put it back in my work bag when I was finished with it the other day?

I changed out of my pajamas and went over to retrieve it, and when I rounded the corner I saw to-go boxes, tamale husks, foil, empty water bottles, and all kinds of other trash in the parking area.

<sigh> Why are people so lazy and gross?

I got my mouse and was just about to head home, but I just couldn't leave all that trash there. I went inside and got an old broom and big metal dust pan and was cleaning it up when an older lady slowly walked up the street toward me. I had seen her waiting by Jr’s Auto when I got there.

“It’s a shame when someone tells you they’ll give you a ride and don’t show up.”

Clearly a senior member of the community, she had dropped her car off for repairs, but her ride home didn’t show. I asked where she lived.

"Jackson Louisiana Road. You don’t live down there, do you?”

“No ma’am, but I’ll sure give you a ride home.”

“I thank you. I was going to get me a little breakfast at L&M first.”

I told her to go on down to the local breakfast spot and I would drive down and pick her up as soon as I finished cleaning.

She had only made it a few yards by the time I finished. I pulled up and realized she was really struggling, so I told her to get in so I could drive her the rest of the way.

I started towards L&M and she told me not to worry about stopping there. “I can just make me something at home so you don't have to wait on me."

"Now, I know you had those taste buds set on some L&M, so I'm going to just wait right here while you go get that breakfast. Take your time; I'm in no rush."

In just a few minutes she came back out and handed her coffee to me through the window. "Baby, take this for me."

I asked her to hand me the breakfast plate so she could get in the vehicle, which was no easy task for her, and I thought about how much I take my relatively good health and mobility for granted.

As we pulled away, she said simply, "God is so good."

"Yes ma'am, He is good!"

We had a little mini praise session on that drive to her house, thanking God for his providence, acknowledging that He is the Author of interruptions and perfect timing.

As we talked, I learned her name (Ms. Mary) and that she knew my grandmother. She thanked me again as she got out of the vehicle, and told me if I ever needed anything to let her know. She even gave me her phone number to call her sometime.

As she shut the door she said, "Love you."

LOVE

Love comes in the interruptions. God shows up in the untimely annoyances, and He provides for all our needs.

Chance encounters with people like Ms. Mary are the main reason I love this town. Look for your “Why Woodville?” moment today.

(Y’all also stop by L&M and get some breakfast or lunch. Local businesses like these are the heart of small towns!)