I have seven children. Four biological, two adopted toddlers, and a foster love. It is a rare treat for me to be alone.
That sunny Spring Saturday morning, I was giddy about the day ahead of me. I set up shop in my favorite café. I stole a table by an electrical outlet in a far away corner. I would be out of the traffic that would wind in and out between the tables for the entirety of my stay.
Moments before, I had dropped off my tween daughter at an all-day play rehearsal and then delivered our foster daughter to an extended visit with her birth mother. My husband had our younger sons helping him on our ranch. It made no sense to make two full trips into town, so I stayed in and waited while I sipped hot tea and banged away on my laptop keys. I’d not a moment to waste!
Paradise.
My waitress chirped, “Escaped, did you?”
I beamed, “Yup! Keep Earl Grey coming, Mandy!”
“I’ll guard the gate!”she said. I could trust her to check on me but not interrupt.
I dove into chapter edits with delight. As I dug into suggestions and red mark track changes from my editor, I whispered, “Thank you, Jesus, for this time, and thank you for this opportunity . . . ”
In my soul, I heard, “Not today, love.”
It was one of those “WAIT WHAT?” moments. I looked up and made definite eye contact with an elderly woman. She was polished, well dressed, fancy. She very obviously had a terrible case of Palsy. I smiled and tried to get back to edits.
Curious, I had to look again.
She was still looking right at me. Her table for two was separated from my table by the empty chairs between us.
She tugged at my soul. I engaged. “That’s a lovely blouse.”
“Thank you. My sister and I had long curly hair like yours.”
“My sister has it, too,” I remarked. “So does my daughter.”
I attempted to stare back at my screen.
“There are many more products out now. It must be easier to manage?”
“Yes, well . . .” I decided she could have my full attention a moment longer. “Frizz is an ongoing battle. Mainly in the humid summer months.” I looked back at my screen.
“I am not from here. But my sister always said it was a furnace in the summer.” I looked across at her. My blinks were long and weary.
“Oh dear,” she purred. “I’ve distracted you. I’m sorry. Get back to your computer machine.”
The spirit moved me, “Today is the gift of rest.”
I snapped out of my trance, “No, I’ve just had a change of plans. Would you like to join me for tea and scones?”
Her face lit up, “That would be delightful! I’m waiting for a taxi to take me to the airport. He’ll be here in a couple of hours. I’d have been dangerous alone with my thoughts.”
I packed my briefcase and moved to her table.
In the two hours we visited, I learned she’d come to Texas for her sister’s funeral. I’d seen the obituary and recalled the name, Minnie. We talked, cried, giggled, and ministered to each other. I told her about my recent book deal and the children. We wept together over the loss of her youngest child in 1968 and the imminent loss of our foster daughter, merely days away.
When her cab arrived, we walked together and embraced as if we’d known each other for years.
I remember her fondly as a gift of rest. As I manage writing, babies, teens, household, edits, homeschool, marriage, romance, groceries, and the like, I often ignore the opportunity to rest. Deep within my need for order and efficiency, I am blessed with opportunities to rest. To be still and learn. To let go, laugh, cry, and drink tea with a new friend. And I serve a God who multiplies.
He blessed me with a gift I hadn’t asked for and filled in the gaps of time not wasted.
Leave a CommentMy Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
Nancy says
Brought me to tears . We all need a day of rest. … and to just visit with one in need. I am sure you brought joy to the dear woman.
Joeann Crafton says
BEAUTIFUL!! Isn’t GOD good, ALL the time! Thank you for sharing this.
Jami Amerine says
I am glad you enjoyed it, Thank you for the encouragement. Love, Jami Amerine
Stephanie says
Mom of six and all are on home on spring break. Being in northern Michigan we still have tons of snow. Hard to get outside for too long without getting cold. Kids have been loud and messy. I feel like I have been burning the candle at both ends. Rest. Be still in His presence. Thanks for the reminder. I needed to hear that this morning.
Jami Amerine says
Yeah, there is no spring break for mommas…. Hope you get a moment or two to yourself. Love, Jami Amerine
Paulette says
Your story brought tears to my eyes. How beautiful to have such a moment. I’m sure you blessed that woman immensely as I’m sure she did you. So beautiful when God puts those situations in front of us and we follow his lead.
Jami Amerine says
Continually thankful for the opportunity and that I didn’t miss out, thank you for commenting. Love, Jami Amerine
Joelle says
So good!! What a sweet treasure and rest time!! I love that you talk about listening to the Spirit a lot recently. I am tying to tune my ear to listen better as well and not many talk about their experiences. It’s refreshing and encouraging. ❤
Jami Amerine says
I find myself doing a lot more of it lately… it’s a refreshing change from listening to the enemy. Love, Jami
Meredith says
Oh wow, this is such a sweet example of God’s personal love, both for you and for the woman you got to spend time with. What a sweet time. Thank you for being an example of stepping out in faith and obedience. This has prompted me to pray that God will use me even today to minister His love to someone who doesn’t know Him, and even someone who does but needs a fresh reminder of His presence and goodness! Love to you, friend!
Meredith
Jami Amerine says
Joining you in that prayer Meredith. Love, Jami
Don McKelvie says
Beautiful
Jami Amerine says
Thanks Daddy… I love you. JJ
Rebecca says
Awe!
Julie Richmond d says
I love Devine appointments! Every time I yield to the opportunity He provides – I am humbled and blessed!
Your timing is perfect – I am feeling pressed for time (house repairs to get it on the market, 3 weekly ministries, grandchildren & sports) and a woman who wants to get together this week that I was trying to figure out how to work her in. My brain said to “pass”, but He is saying figure it out.
Have a beautiful day!
Jami Amerine says
I love the term “Devine Appointment” I hope you have a beautiful day too, Love ~ Jami Amerine
Mara Maxwell says
That was lovely! Ty
Jami Amerine says
Thank you Mara…. Love, Jami Amerine
Kerry says
Thank you so very much for these tears of gratitude that brought me out of moments of self pity. Bless you. Your words are such a blessing to have in my “in box” in the mornings.
Jami Amerine says
Bless you Kerry. Love, Jami
DebR says
Beautiful.
❤ DebR
Jami Amerine says
Love you… Jj
Beth Williams says
Jami,
Thank you for listening and obeying God. That nice older lady just needed someone to talk with. God knows best what we need and how to give it to us. My dad lived his last years in assisted living facilities. I would go and visit him 3-4 times a week. Each time I would talk with or smile saying “hi” to the other residents. You never know how that would make their day. We need to heed God’s divine appointments-or as I say His “Ah ha or I should” moments. God knows what we need more than we do & He will find ways to give it to us while helping other people out.
Blessings 🙂
Jami Amerine says
He does indeed. Blessings to you, Jami
Glenna McKelvie says
Had you been selfish you would have missed a devine opportunity. Thanks for the reminder to
“Listen”!
Jami Amerine says
Love you
Deanna says
Wow!! Your devine appointment touched me deeply!! I love these God encounters. This lady will never forget and probably retelling to all she knows as you shared with us here. Reading this confirmed and encouraged me again (my husband told me the same just yesterday) that what I am currently doing without pay until my next full time job comes is not time wasted. It’s for such a time as this!!
Jami Amerine says
Yes, for such a time as this. Love, Jami
Kristi says
Definite tears, you never know how God will use you in the ordinary everyday.
Jami Amerine says
No, you don’t. Love, Jami
Jessica Van Roekel says
Thank-you for reminding me that people are gifts of rest if I take the time to enjoy them with my full attention. Put the screen away, the course of study, the writing, the dishes, the mud chunks on the floor and find rest as I look my lovelies in the eye and take in the dimples and the sparkle as a story is shared. I needed this kick in the pants today!
Jami Amerine says
I love that, people are the gift of rest. Love, Jami
Eva says
Thank you for sharing this. I like this line most of all: “Deep within my need for order and efficiency, I am blessed with opportunities to rest.” And sometimes our idea of rest is different from the rest God is giving us. We just need to be open to His movements…
Erin E Smith says
Hr gives rest to us because everyone loves us. Sometimes it seems long overdue, but I wonder what I can change to receive his rest. Thanks for the beautiful reminder, friend!
Erin E Smith says
He gives rest to us because he loves us. Sometimes it seems long overdue, but I wonder what I can change to receive his rest. Thanks for the beautiful reminder, friend!
Ingrid says
Really beautiful. Thank you!