God has a sense of humor. This morning I was doing my dailys (my daily devotionals consisting of reading and praying) and right as I finished asking God to allow me to be of maximum service to Him and His people (a far cry from my old prayers: “God, give me this.” “God, give me that”) my phone rang. It was my friend Jen. She just got a final written warning from work and asked if I had a sec. She was in tears and she needed to talk (this seems to be happening alot lately [which is amazing because people never used to call me when they were hurting] and I couldn't be happier because when I'm talking to someone who's hurting, I'm not thinking about me. I'm thinking about them and anytime I'm not thinking about me is great. A friend of mine is fond of saying "My life would be perfect if I weren't in it" and that certainly applies in my case). I said I would be right over and we’d make the noon meeting. “Just let me hop in the shower. Is that okay?” She laughed through the tears and said: “Shower? That’s a great idea! I should take one too. I’m a mess.” I skipped the shower (I took one last week) and flew out the door.
I got to her house and she wasn’t ready. Why is it that women take forever to get ready regardless of the circumstances? I started on her pile of dishes sitting in the sink (she’s a single mom, works full time and is going to school full time). I’m a full time loafer, so it was the least I could do. Finally she said she was set and off we went. In the car, she cracked open a Hansen’s Tea can and handed me another. Hers was pomegranate. I love pomegranate. Mine was tangerine. I hate tangerine. I said “Thanks. I’ll stick with my coffee” (I LOVE coffee). It calms and soothes me. Not quite nectar of the gods, that’s Rogue Brewery’s Shakespeare Stout, but it’s a close second.
After the meeting she was feeling much better. We got lunch (Middle Eastern) and I dropped her off back at her place. When she left I noticed that Hansen’s can sitting on the floor of the passenger side. “Damn!” I thought of going after her but decided it must be there for a reason, so I let it go.
I had an appointment to review the business cards my ex was making for me (she’s an extremely talented graphic designer), so I called to confirm and made it over. “Hmm… Maybe that’s why I have this can,” I thought, “Laura must need it.” Laura did not need it. She hates Hansen’s Tea. “Tastes like disinfectant,” she said. Not for her.
Next stop was the chiropractor’s office. Someone there must need it. I took it with me and as I waited for the elevator there was a woman and her son. “Would either of you be interested in a Hansen’s Tangerine Tea?” I asked. “No, thank you. Why did you buy it if you didn’t want it?” the mother asked. “I didn’t buy it. A friend left it in my car and God obviously wanted me to give it to somebody, I just don’t know who.” “You mean like a sign?” she asked. “No, nothing like that. It’s just everything happens for a reason and I’m trying to figure out the reason for my friend leaving a Hansen’s can in my car.” She looked at me like I was nuts (as it turns out, I am, certifiable even, but not because of this). Door opened and I walked out.
The waiting room at the chiropractor’s office was full. “This must be it, a room full of people. Someone here will want it.” I signed in and said hello to Stephanie (the receptionist). We exchanged pleasantries (not because I care but because it’s the right thing to do) and before I turned to sit down and look over the room for my parched patient, I asked Stephanie if she’d like a tea. I brought it up from beneath the counter for a visual aid. “Hansen’s? I love that stuff!” Ding, ding! And there it was. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy.
Epilogue: I just clicked “save” in MS Word (typed it there to cut and paste here) and my phone rang. It’s Jen.
