Detour, part 2

For the first part, see: Detour Part 1

Today, I was getting ready to eat my lunch when a couple came into the office looking for daycare. (My office is housed in a daycare.) Instead of just telling them that we had no room, I took the time to look up and write down some Daycare centers and their phone numbers. They asked if they could also be put on our waiting list. I gave them a paper and pen to write their information. So far, nothing out of the ordinary.

Then Dad asked, "Do you know anybody who can help us get a carseat? We are kind of short of money and we really need one." I think I just stared at them for a couple of minutes (it was probably only seconds). The reason for my delay is God was nudging me---er slapping me on the back!

You see, a couple of weeks ago, I got an e-mail that I had won a sweepstakes at Learning Curve. The prize? A new convertable carseat (from 5-65 pounds) and a few other baby toys. I received the boxes on Tuesday. My baby is almost ready for a booster seat. So I hadn't opened the box. I figured I would just put it in storage until I need a great baby shower gift.

.

When I finally got my voice back, I said. "Yes. I know where you can get one." I made arrangements to meet them at a store in a little while. I looked at the paper she had written her name and kids' names on, and it was the same as the woman from yesterday. And the kids were about the same age. I don't think it was the same woman, but it could have been.

I dashed home to get the carseat. I grabbed a Max Lucado booklet and a Gospel tract. I didn't have any invitations to church, so I wrote the church name and address down. When I arrived at the meeting location, Dad asked me how much I wanted for the carseat. I told him, "It's yours". He was surprised, and said, "God Bless you!" I said, "He does!" And I reached for the papers. I told them I wanted to share God's love with them. I invited them to join me at church. They asked a few questions (service times, etc.) and said they would come when Dad didn't have to work. As Dad was putting the carseat in the car, Mom said, "I have $11 for you". I told her to keep it and "pay it forward". "When you meet someone who needs something, you can help them out." She thanked me and gave me a hug.

Wow! That felt good!