Happenstance or God’s Timing

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to me.

About 12 years ago my husband and I grew a massive garden. It was our first garden together so lack of experience left us with tons and tons of fresh produce. Not wanting to be wasteful, I drove to my local dollar tree and began handing out stuff for free. Each person that came out I would give away as much as they wanted. That year we grew giant congo watermelons and I had so many in my trunk my car was squatting. I watched as a man approached the store eyeing the watermelon. I watched him walk inside and buy a single bag of  things. He walked out and marveled at the watermelon but didn’t ask and kept his distance.

“Would you like one?” I asked.

” I don’t have any money.”

“no worries , they are free. I grew too many and don’t want them to go to waste. ”

“Free?”  the man asked. “Those are some big watermelons.”

I chuckled as I wrangled one of the 15 lb watermelons from the depths of my trunk. I placed it in his hands as he tried to hand me a single dollar bill.

I refused to take it and added more  produce to a bag to give him as well.

The man looked shocked. He tried again to hand me the dollar.”This is all I have” 

I refused once more. “I do not want your money sir, have a great day.” 

I watched as the man hugged the watermelon, not bothered but the heavy load he now had to carry home. I saw tears streaming down his face as he turned away. God led me there that day and knew who needed the food I had to offer. That man has always stuck out to me with his gratitude and humbleness. I can only hope he made it home safely and he enjoyed the fruits of my labor.