Even if you as I do believe that God involves Himself in our lives intentionally to achieve His purposes, you might scratch your head and say, “I don’t know if that was God or coincidence,” when I share an incident that occurred today. An incident I believe He orchestrated.
I was at my nail appointment following my technician to the chair she was readying for me when suddenly she turned and pointed to the other side of the salon and motioned for me to sit next to a teenaged young woman who was getting a pedicure. Within a few minutes, I learned that her name was Hannah and she was leaving for college in Alabama; and in fact was leaving that evening. Tears sprang easily to her mom’s eyes as she shared that this would be the first time in eighteen years their only child would not be in the home. She said it was a bitter sweet time in their lives. I could relate and shared my experiences when our son did the same. For the next half hour or so, we chatted back and forth, with Hannah offering the occasionally comment. When I asked if they were driving her or she was flying, Hannah said no; she was going on the party bus,” a group of college bound kids traveling together by chartered bus to the same college. Her mom said that was the newest trend!
At that point, I paused, looked in mother’s eyes and said, “I’m assuming you are Christian believers.” Mom replied yes with a nod of her head. That was all I needed to begin addressing Hannah directly re her faith being her primary resource as she entered this season of her life; how she must stand on the standards of her faith when she was confronted with lines she should not cross; that she would make mistakes but it would be her faith that help her get back on track.” I told her I would pray for safe travel and wished her success. As I spoke I could see her mom. She leaned back and kept nodding affirmatively to my comments. And as they proceeded to the front of the salon, the mother turned around to thank me.
Later I thought about the encounter. My women’s prayer group is named Hannah’s Descendants. We operate a nationwide prayer line five days weekly. I wished I had told Hannah about the prayer group and that I would be lifting her up on the line. I think God aligned the meeting of this young girl named Hannah and me, a member of Hannah’s Descendants, Inc. at this nail appointment. And even though I spoke words of encouragement, I wish I had done more; I wish I had done what the biblical Hannah did. At that moment as Hannah was leaving, I wish I had prayed; not later but right then.
Peace. Joy. Love.
I know you wished you had prayed but remember Apostle Paul’s word “some plant some water but God brings the increase”. Maybe another time at this salon you will see Hanna’s mother and you can give her the number to the Prayerline. Thanks for writing about this .