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This past weekend we were shopping for a birthday present for a close friend. She is into collecting sail boats. So we walked the trails from store to store to try to find that right item. No matter where we went no sail boats, pictures or art, or anything that would closely resemble it.
After quite a long period we were hot and tired. A nice lady said why not try this one store across the way, they might have something. Needless to say, zero, nothing. We were really getting disgusted with the next list of stores to visit but as we were walking along we passed a religious store. We walked right past it but my wife said wait a moment. What, we're looking for a boat not a bible I said to her, disgusted from the heat and walk. Look she said. Inside we saw a few sail boats on a shelf. So we went in.
There was a lady and a man talking. He had just moved and needed something notarized and she said this man has been waiting and waiting for two people to stop in. Now she said we don't get a lot of traffic but he said something told him to wait a little longer. The lady asked if we could witness the document since he needed two witnesses. We said sure.
The lady said great I'll be right back with the book. Meanwhile my wife and I browsed around. The sailing ship we saw was really nice but cost over our budget. However, low and behold as we turned there was a rack and smack in the middle one single boat. Now what was special about this boat? On the sail was the inscription "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" only in Spanish.
Now what was unique about this? Well
1- This was the ONLY SAIL BOAT they had where the writing was in Spanish.
2- It was on the sale rack reduced by 75%.
3- This one item was in the store for over 18 months and while they had sold others not this one.
4- The young lady we were buying it for was starting in a new business to help the family. A young couple struggling and she was "unsure" about things.
5- being a believer the verse was exactly what she needed.
So when the lady came back we signed the paper and started talking. She said what made you come in? I said God. She smiled and said he has a way of doing that to people. The man said he had just lost his job in a layoff, they were foreclosing on his home up north and they were moving here to try and start fresh. His wife walked out the door the day they were leaving. Since everything was arranged he came alone.
When he got here he went to a store and was asking about work. The man said to go up the block to this church and see the pastor there. He may be able to help you. He did and he had a job within a day or so. Now it just so happens he is also a musician. This church is not a well to do church and their musical capability is very poor. The pastor was trying to get a youth ministry going. Well this man had a compete set up. He said to the pastor come on over to my home, I want to show you something. Well sure enough they were overwhelmed. Their prayers were answered and this man is going to church regularly after not going for years. As for his wife, he holds her no ill will and prays for her every day.
Now as far as we go, we confirmed the savings of 75% off. That was substantial to us since we are struggling. The girl adored the gift, it was a feeling of love that she expressed and all could see. It meant a lot to her. My wife explained God had it on lay away for her and it was written in Spanish just for her and to remind her to have faith and she could do all things. She immediately placed it in a special spot.
So as we left that store I turned and said, now remember you never know when God is going to walk in unannounced, looking like an ordinary person or send someone for some purpose and she said. I know, it happens often. I said we are all the proof.
I do hope you enjoyed this true to life tale of faith and in my opinion inspiration. You see these are the little miracles that go on all about each and every day, in simple and complex ways that we take for granted. Now some will say coincidence. We who believe know better. How blessed we are. You see we never know that it just might be Come on in, God at your service.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2008 Copyright ©2008 Robert Melaccio Sr.
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