Bethany and I “saddled up” the mini-van to round up Grandma Donna, Uncle Steve, and cousin Justin, so we could enjoy an evening of swimming.  Before we arrived at our destination, Micah called to warn us that a storm front with lightning and thunder was quickly rolling in.  Thus, our plans were waylaid.  This one “twist” in our road led us to an

“unexpected adventure and some surprising treasure”!

“Randomly”, we pulled into a park. The cousins jumped out, raced to the swings, Uncle Steve close behind. I walked with Donna to the nearby picnic shelter, to sit, talk, and watch the kids play. A  man- with suitcase and a few belongings- a woman, later introducing herself as Michelle had her Bible in her lap and bags at her feet. They were “residing” there for the night.  We chatted a while & as we readied to leave, Steve asked if we could pray with them or take them somewhere.

They replied, “We have no where to go, but Yes to the prayers.”

We joined hands, creating a circle of prayer.   Steve prayed with so much grace and affirmation there seemed to be a physical sense of God’s love come down.  After the Amen, they thanked us profusely and we said goodbye. Feeling prompted,  Steve and I talked and quickly agreed that we’d run to the grocery store to buy some healthy food. En route, Justin and Bethany kept asking questions, trying to understand.

 “Why are they living there?” 

“Why don’t they have a home?” 

 “You mean they don’t have anything to eat?” 

“Are we going to help them?”

 The excitement mounted as we ran into Dillons. Justin, his brown eyes full of sincerity and the pure love that comes from being seven, spoke from his heart.

 “Dad, if I had my lock box of money here, I would give it all to them.”

“I know you would Justin.” 

“Dad, maybe we could take them home with us when we go to New York.”

“I don’t think so Justin.  God is reaching out to them here.”

  Steve, Bethany, and Justin tumbled out of the car, eager to deliver the food.  “Mission Accomplished”, they bounced back to the car with smiles on their faces, talking a mile a minute about helping the couple as I drove back to Grandma Donna’s.

Bethie and I were on our way home when she said, “Mom, what’s gonna happen to Michelle now?”

 Hmmmm?  Michelle?  Michelle who?  Michelle on Full House?

 “No, Mommy!  Michelle, our new friend at the park.”

 Oh my gosh!  That was her name!   Justin’s willingness to give all his money and Beth’s caring and perception of them not as “those homeless people” but “my new friend, Michelle”  touched me deeply.

  I replied, “Well, we can pray for her. Maybe we’ll see her again.”

 Her hazel eyes sparkled with sincerity and enthusiasm- “Yeah, Mommy, but I know what we could do even better!  How bout this?  How bout we make her a home?”

oh if life were just that simple 🙂

Surprising Treasure:  “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”  Matthew 18:4  NLT  Jesus said, “If you do it to the least- you do it to me!

post script- now every time we’re out driving, when Bethany sees a house with a FOR SALE sign, she’ll say, Hey Mom, maybe that could be Michelle’s house….