After much frustration of cooking with three out of four burners, Jim and I decided to purchase a new stove in Florida. We had no idea how old the stove was, nor a good repairman, so it seemed like our best option.
The installation crew was supposed to take the old stove to the curb, and in most cases it will disappear. But we wondered how long it would sit there, and how would we get rid of it if someone didn’t take it. So forty-eight hours before delivery, I advertised the old stove for a low price on social media. I wasn’t surprised when I had a nibble right away, but typically you go through lots of nibbles, before you get a bite. This gentleman truly said he wanted the stove and we set a time.
As the minutes clicked away my frustrations built, thinking he was another no show, when he was over an hour late. My first thought was, “Here we go. They always say they want it, but don’t show.” I decided to send him a message and he quickly replied. He had gotten tied up finishing a job at work, so we set a new time for him to come later that evening.
I had all this doubt and discouragement from prior dealings on social media. There are so many unreliable, untrustworthy, inconsiderate people who try to take advantage of a good deal. The past clouded my vision of this man, before I ever met him. I figured he would change his mind, not have cash, try to talk me down on the price, or even worse, still not show and ghost me.
This gentleman renewed my faith in humanity! He showed at the new set time. He apologized profusely for loosing track of time at work, and he was obviously a hard worker. He handed me more cash than I was asking and said, “If you don’t have change, don’t worry about it. I still want the stove.” Really?
As he and his friend began the process of moving the stove, I found the appropriate change. They even offered to sweep the junk off the floor from where the stove had been sitting. I politely declined and thanked them for the offer. As they loaded the oven in their trailer, I walked outside with his change.
I have to admit that the entire process was quite the opposite of past experiences. So much so that when he said, “God bless you,” as he hopped into the truck, I stood there dumbfounded.
Me, the Christian author and speaker, was speechless. I didn’t have a kind word to reply, not even a “You too.” As I walked back to the house, all I could think was how much God had blessed me by meeting this gentleman.
Jim and I are blessed that we are able to purchase a new stove. This young couple was getting started in life and needed a good stove that he could repair himself. He felt like the stove was a lifesaver for them which gave me warm fuzzies. I felt like someone had tossed me a life preserver knowing there are still good godly young men in this world.
The lesson for today: Our all-knowing God can and will orchestrate chance meetings for the benefit of those involved as we bless one another’s lives…even through social media.
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. (Psalm 33:11)
