FISH, a social service provider for the needy, put out a desperate call for paper bags earlier this fall. I had been saving a large stack of grocery bags for just such a need, so the following day I made a special trip to FISH with my collection.
It was noon when I arrived and about 20 volunteers were seated around the work tables eating their lunch. When they realized why I had come, they greeted me with cheers and happy faces. “We had just been wondering if anyone had seen our appeal,” they told me. “Thank you so very much — we really needed these!”
In high spirits and with a joyous heart I walked back to my car. Then, as I stepped into the street, my left heel caught the curb and I fell flat on my face into the gritty gutter. Shaken and stunned, I lay there for five minutes or so, slowly assessing the situation.
As I carefully moved each limb, it seemed that nothing was broken. Thank God! Only a few small cuts on my hands and scrapes on my knees, where I had tried to break my fall.
One of the volunteers ran out to meet me. “Are you all right? Would you like to come in and wash up?” Indeed, I would.
In the very small bathroom off the work room, I tried to focus on the job at hand. “Let’s see — soap and water and paper towels.”(How wonderful!) “I should put some antiseptic on this cut.” ( I noticed a small bottle of it.) “Now, if I only had a small Band-Aid.” This time I look around carefully. Yes, there was a small box of small Band-aids, just what I needed. I was overwhelmed by God’s provision.
Still a bit shaky, I returned to the workroom. The same lovely lady was anxiously waiting for me with a first aid kit. “We were worried. Are you all right?” I assured her I was and thanked her for her caring and generosity.
In the coming days I was given to know there were three angels who had protected me and broken my fall. I now realize that this whole experience was, for me, like living in a bubble of joy — giving, receiving, loving, knowing God’s provision, protection and support. I shall always be grateful for knowing his presence of love in my life.
Psalm 91: 11-12 “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
Mary Suiter
James City County
