It started out as one of those days.

We’ve all been there — times when we’ve got a million things to get done and no time to do them all. I guess it was just my turn.

Fortunately for me, God was there to remind me that He cares about such times.

Occasionally, those reminders come through the kindness of strangers.

While running errands the other day, I had to put gas in my car before getting something to eat. I filled up my tank and attempted to get a receipt at the pump, but it didn’t come out.

Then, those three dreaded words appeared: “please see cashier.”

I didn’t want to see the cashier. I wanted to get in my car and leave. But I went inside anyway, at which point I saw several people in line.

“This day just keeps getting better and better,” I thought sarcastically.

Upon reaching the counter, I told the male clerk that my receipt didn’t come out at the pump. He printed one out and said I could get a fountain drink of any size at no charge.

“It’s on me,” he said with a smile.

Having worked in a restaurant — and having been a customer at who-knows-how-many of them — I always appreciate seeing someone go the extra mile like that clerk did.

Sure, it was a small gesture on his part, but it didn’t go unnoticed. I got a drink, thus quelling my need to get food until later.

Next, I went to the grocery store. Due to my neuropathy, I needed a parking space close to the entrance and a battery-powered cart to get through the store.

I finally pulled into a space, at precisely the same moment that my mom called. As we were talking, a lady exited the store one of the aforementioned carts.

The lady’s timing was impeccable.

I usually hate seeing those carts in the parking lot, because someone inside the store might need one.

This time, however, I didn’t mind so much. I even told my mom about the cart, which prompted her to let me go so I could get it before anyone else did.

I discovered that the cart — miraculously — had a full charge. I drove it into the store, got a few items and went to the express checkout stand.

Almost immediately, an older female employee came up to me, smiled and began scanning and bagging my items.
After thanking her profusely, I drove the cart to a charging station, being sure to plug the cord in so someone else could use it.

While walking to the car, I thought about the strangers God had placed in my path.

None of those individuals knew about my hectic day. The lady at the grocery store had no idea that the gas station clerk had bought me a drink minutes earlier. Each of them just wanted to make my day a bit easier, and they succeeded in doing so.

The previous user of that battery-powered cart had no idea I needed one. Even though she never knew it, God used her to meet my needs.

I realize that these occurrences are not earth-shattering. Most of us have encountered an unexpected moment of kindness, or benefited from a case of excellent timing.

But, none of these things happen by accident or by coincidence. God uses such moments to make us more thankful, and to help us remember that He is watching over us.

He also uses each of us, every now and then, to help others when they need a smile or a reminder of His providence.
I pray that I will always be mindful of His constant provision for me, and that my actions will help others to know it as well.

Jason has worked in newspapers since 2005, spending the majority of that time in Henry County.