Monday, December 14, 2009

He Provides: Chinese Food

The Husband has a new seasonal job in the snow removal industry. Every time it snows, he will be out shoveling and salting walks. We are so thankful for this new opportunity that God has provided. I have been nervous and anxious to see how this position will pan out. We had our first BIG snow event last week and the Husband pretty much worked for 3 1/2 days straight. (50+ hours)! At the end of that time, I thought it would be nice to take the family out to a restaurant to reconnect and reward my hard-working Beloved for his endless hours of exhausting work. Sit-down restaurants are a luxury that we can no longer afford, so this definitely would be a treat. "The Voice" (aka The Holy Spirit) tells me that I should take us to a Chinese buffet in a nearby town. I even called ahead to see how much this meal would cost me. Twenty-five dollars for the five of us felt like a lot at the moment, but I really wanted to honor my Husband in this way. So, off we went!

Everyone found something tasty to enjoy. I relished watching my son inhale several servings of mozzarella cheese sticks, inches and inches of gooey cheese hanging from his mouth. All the kids enjoyed multiple servings of ice cream. After all, we were celebrating!! Towards the end of the meal, the natives were getting restless. Sebastian was screeching about something; Tatiana was wandering near the table; Sienna was antsy. I noticed a lady at a nearby table watching us and could feel the embarrassment heat my face. I was sure that we were being a nuisance to her quiet meal. As I stood to go pay our bill, this lady approached me.

"Excuse me, how much was your bill?"

*looking surprised* Thirty dollars.

"I have twenty-five dollars here  and my husband and I would like to pay your bill." [This the exact amount that I thought the bill would be based on my prior phone call.]

*gulp* Ok. Well....thank you. (I started crying at this point. I just couldn't believe this!)

"How about if I just take your bill and get the rest of the money for your check together? You just go along with your family and have a nice evening."

*choking out words* Thank you so much. Thank you so much! Have a....blessed holiday.

I was nearly dissolved into a puddle right there. As we left the restaurant, my kids just kept saying, "Mommy, why are you crying? WHY are you crying?" I tried to explain it to them, about how God provided for us through perfect strangers, but really, there are no words to do Him justice.

Even now, I sit here shaking my head in disbelief, tears welling in my eyes. I am so unworthy of His blessings.

And yet, He pours them out.





P.S. Feel free to share in the comments how He has provided for you lately!

10 comments:

chadandnikki said...

He always provides. And I love reading how He provides for others.

Peaceful Chaoz said...

Wow, He is so good. :0)

Stephanie said...

Tears in my eyes too. Wow.

Andrea said...

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing! And I LOVE your new page and banner. So beautiful. That picture of you guys is just lovely!

Jeana said...

What a neat story. Thank you so much for sharing and reminding us all of the beautiful spirit of his season.

Beth said...

Awesome! Back when we went two months without unemployment, someone in Aldi paid for our whole grocery bill!

This week, two college girls that used to babysit for us all the time are watching the kids and giving us two free nights out!

He is not only concerned with the very things that we need to live, but also date nights. :-)

Ebe said...

This just made me cry too. Our Father loves us so much.

Thanks for sharing this.

love,
ebe

Melissa said...

We serve an Awesome God!

This weekend someone paid for me at Walgreens! I forgot my debit card, but didn't realize it until after I checked out. I ran out to the van to get my husand's debit card, and while I was gone the lady who was behind me paid for me. Stuff like that never happens to me, so I was blown away.

Christy said...

Becki--
I am so glad you shared this story. I really don't watch the news much anymore because I am tired of hearing about all the bad things that happen in the world and scandals that get too much airtime instead of worthy news items. There is never mention of good deeds or reports on goodness done in this world (okay, there is but it's relative). Your story inspires me to do the same, when I am able, it encourages me that there are good people in this world, it warms my heart that you had this experience.
hugs,
Christy

Dionna said...

Oh I am so glad that someone was able to show you love and kindness in this way! Maybe someday you will be able to return the favor and do it for someone else.