Her hair was short, blonde and disheveled. Her face wore the marks of difficulties. Her cane bore the weight of a limp. Her entire life belongings stuffed into two baskets. A large, long, waterproof Edison jacket shielded the wind from her frail body.
As I passed her I told her I liked her jacket (being an Edison fan and all😉). She turned to look at me, smiling as she said, "Thank you! A kind woman took it off her back on a rainy day and gave it to me."
"Wow! So you were Blessed," I replied.
"Yes I was, but they will be Blessed also for their kindness!" she exclaimed with a knowing nod, her eyes squinting as her smile broadened.
I asked if I could buy her lunch.
"Oh no, someone just fed me and I'm full. But thank you!"
"So GOD is making sure your needs are met?" I asked.
"Yes HE is!" She assured me.
"Can I pray for you? I love to pray for people, what's your name?" I asked.
"Annie."
"Well Annie, what do you specifically need prayer for?"
Her brows furrowed closer together in deep thought.
"How about your leg? Can I pray for healing for that? I suggested.
"Oh yes! I was hit by a car and shattered my pelvis and hip. I also have arthritis in my knee and ankle on the same side," she said.
As we said our goodbye's I told her I'd continue to pray for her.
"Have a good day Annie," I said, smiling and waving as I headed to my car.
"You too," she said waving back.
As I reached my car she yelled, "Have a *Blessed* day!" Her eyes but small straight lines as her smile overtook her entire face as she emphasized *Blessed*.
And since my "Thankful Train" doesn't have a limit on how many things one can be thankful for...I'm thankful for Annie and her reminder of Blessings in the midst of struggle. She notices and is grateful for each and every daily kindness.
Let's notice friends. Let's see things more through Annie's eyes.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."~Galatians 6:9
