A Pair of Jeans

Yesterday, I was pumping gas and a woman approached me asking if I had any change.  I said no, and she went on to explain she needed a pair of jeans for a job interview that day. When I was silent she moved on. I watched her approach pump after pump with the same message.

I had a mental dialogue going on in my head. “You know, I don’t like giving out money, God.”  And then I thought about my kids and how I’d want someone to respond if they were in need.

I climbed into my car as she headed inside the convenient store. I thought maybe I could buy her some food. I parked near the door and headed inside. She was perusing a snack area and had quickly turned to get into the check-out line when I tapped her on the shoulder and offered her coffee and a meal.

She said, “No thank you. I appreciate it, but I don’t like taking anything that I don’t need. I just need a pair of jeans.”

I argued with myself as I got back in my car and pulled away. And as soon as I got on the main road, I knew I needed to turn around. I made two right turns and caught her as she was crossing the street heading for another parking lot. She took the money I offered and my wishes for a good interview with gratitude.

As I headed for home, I still wondered if I had just been scammed, but I’d like to think that I might meet her again working in a nearby business at the job she got because she presented herself in some new jeans.

Today I’m questioning why I can be so giving with people that I know, but not so with those in greater need. Sometimes I struggle to be a blessing. All this to say, I’m still working on me.

Thanks for listening,

~Debbie G

#lovingYourNeighbor #confessionisgoodforthesoul #AngelsUnaware