Monday, August 18, 2008

Gas from heaven (it's kinda like manna)

Okay, so maybe being a broke college student was getting to me, but this morning, I was stressing out over money (as most of us do). First, a little background. I was denied financial aid because I have too many credits. So I filed an appeal. Because I was too slow in dropping two classes, my grades were down last semester and my appeal was denied. SO, this means I pay for everything...fun! So, as I was on my way to the college bookstore to sell a kidney in order to get a textbook for this semester, the dreaded event happened...my gas light came on. Almost on the verge of tears trying to figure out how I was going to make it to the next payday and seriously considering dropping out of classes, I pulled into my parking spot. I kept telling myself "everything will work out, just have faith" and then one of the other voices in my head would beat up that voice. So, I walked into the bookstore and stood in line at the cash register. The worker rung up the person in front of me and told her "we have a drawing everyday for a 150 dollar gas card." So the lady drew her 'ticket' (or whatever you want to call it) and the worker says "You got it! Congratulations!" Another worker looks at me and says "how does it feel to be right behind her and watching her win?" How are you supposed to respond to that? So, I congratulated the lady and she went on her way. I had jokingly made some comment to one of the workers that "that was too good to be true, my gas light just came on" or something to those effects. The same worker that asked me how it felt to lose said "She doesn't know you from Adam, she doesn't care" (speaking of the woman who just won...I'm not sure what that worker thought I was saying...don't you love it when people come in half way through a conversation, but whatever) I removed my kidney myself (because of course I couldn't afford a surgeon), traded it in for my books and I was on my way. When I got just outside of the store, the lady that had been standing in front of me was waiting. She handed me the gift card! I told her that she had won it, and I was fine. But she looked at me and said "I'm fine, you can probably use this more than me." I tried to politely refuse (knowing full well she was right) and she insisted. So, I started crying...in front of a perfect stranger...told her she didn't have any idea how much that meant, and gave her a big hug. All I know is her name is Linda. She drove off in her Lexus, she probably has no idea of what she had done. I sat in my car for a while just thinking about what had just happened, and gave thanks to the mastermind of that whole plan...my Heavenly Father. Sometimes I kick myself for doubting Him because as this story shows...He knows what we need and makes it happen.

2 comments:

Katie said...

what a great story!! I love how things work out!

Shannon said...

This is such a great story Caitlin!