Have you ever noticed just how good it feels to give?  I don't know at what point in my life I began to feel this way but, man, I just get such a buzz from giving.  Anything!  Well, not like a cold or something, I hate to give that to anyone.  But, seriously, when it comes to giving gifts or charity or a hug or a encouraging remark, I always hate myself if I miss an opportunity.  Which reminds me, I have a baby's first Christmas ornament I need to mail to my cousin before Christmas is over.  But, as usual, I digress ...

Now, this little story is being told not to bring any glory to myself; on the contrary, I really felt the Lord's leading here.  Last weekend, I was turning out of the parking lot of our local Fred Meyer store when I saw a man standing on the corner opposite of where I was.  He was holding a sign, saying something like he was stuck here and needed a ride, or something, I really didn't read the sign.  But our eyes met for just a second.  I smiled, the light turned green and I turned north to head home.  Then ... I felt the Lord telling me to go back and give him some money, maybe to help him a bit.  All I had in my wallet was a dollar (the usual) but I just knew I had to give that dollar to him.  I turned around and headed back but he was gone.  Sigh.  I was bummed. 

Fast-forward to today.  I overslept, waking at 7:00 but wanting to get up earlier to hit our local toy store for some discounts.  Returned home and then decided to get to Fred Meyer (6 hour sale, you know.)  I don't usually go to Freddy's on this day due to the crowds but I thought maybe I could get a deal on Legos.  No, they didn't have any Legos on sale that I was interested in, so I headed back home.  I turned out of the parking lot and I saw a woman, standing on the same corner the man had been standing at last week.  She was also holding a sign, saying she needed blankets, gas, some other things.  Our eyes met and I smiled at her.  Her eyes smiled back.  That dollar sitting in my wallet came to mind.  I was compelled.  I turned back around and pulled up to the curb, rolled down the window and motioned to her.  As I handed her the dollar, I said that it was all I had, I'm sorry.  She thanked me graciously, I said, "God bless" and she said, "God bless you, too!"  Our fingers touched every so briefly as the dollar was exchanged.  I drove away and prayed for her.  As I went home, I could still feel her touch.  I can't explain it.  Somehow this little transaction meant a whole lot more to me than just charity.  The human touch is a powerful thing.  I don't know her story and I don't know if she'll use that money for the right thing.  That's not up to me.  All I did was obey the Lord, I gave when someone asked.  My husband taught me that a long time ago.  And, once again, the giver was blessed, maybe more than the receiver of the gift. 

P.S.  It so good to know so many of you will be praying for us - thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!  May the Lord bless you for your kindness!