Why Today?

I hopped on my bicycle and headed out to the library. The bike basket full of library books. As I pedaled up the hill, a thought came to my mind. “Go visit, Maggie. (Name changed). Maggie was one of the women I visited weekly at the local elderly care center. No. It’s Tuesday. I visit Maggie on Thursday. Besides it’s a long ride there. I kept peddling. The gnawing thought persisted. Go see Maggie. The wind rushed past me as I flew down the hill. I stopped at the stop sign at the bottom of the street. I sighed. Here I could go straight, and it would lead me to the library. If I turned left, I could ride to the care center. I paused. Then I recalled another time something like this happened.

Years ago, when I was a young mother, I had an experience somewhat like this one. I remembered standing at the sink, starting dinner when I felt this urge to bake cookies for my next-door neighbor. That late afternoon I whipped up some chocolate chip cookies, made dinner, and then fed my family. After putting our small children to bed, I thought about delivering the cookies in person. But I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to be anonymous. 

Ignoring the feeling to deliver the cookies in person, I tiptoed over to my neighbor’s home. Quietly, I placed the plastic wrapped paper plate of cookies on her doorstep, pushed the doorbell, and ran back to my house.

Several days later my neighbor called and asked if I left the cookies on her porch. Wanting to stay anonymous, I denied it. Then she explained that the day the cookies were delivered was the day she came home from the hospital after delivering her baby. She paused then said she and her family had a shock. The baby was born with Down Syndrome. The surprise cookies brought her and her family peace. The gesture gave them hope.

What I should have told her was what I believed at that moment. I truly believed God touched me to do something for her. However, I didn’t listen completely. The small gesture of cookies would have been better if I had stopped and visited with her. And, I wished I would have told the truth, that God loved her, was aware of her, and tapped on my shoulder to do something!

Now I stood at a crossroad again. Did I ignore that nudge to do something or go on my own way. I didn’t have any idea why I should go see Maggie today instead of waiting until Thursday. Why today?

I turned my bike wheel to the left and pedaled to the care center. Leaving my bicycle outside, I hurried to Maggie’s room. No one was there. So, I walked down to the cafeteria. On the way I noticed their bulletin board. The urge to stop and look at it felt strong. So, I did. I read about the upcoming activities. Then I noticed a Birthday List. Maggie’s name was listed. The date was today! I stood still for a moment. I didn’t know today was Maggie’s birthday. Yet, God did. 

Humbly, I walked into the cafeteria. Noticing Maggie at one of the tables, I sat next to her. She grabbed my hand with her cold almost parchment-looking hands. Gazing into my eyes she said, “You remembered my birthday. I thought everyone forgot me. I’m so happy you’ve come.”

“Maggie, I didn’t know today was your birthday. But God did. He urged me to come today to visit you. I’m sorry. I don’t have a card or gift for you.”

“Oh, that’s okay. I’m just so glad you’re here.”

We talked about her family and the weather. We sat in companionable silence. After about an hour her youngest daughter, son-in-law, and small children came in. I quietly said goodbye and left.

I’m glad that I told Maggie the truth. I believe in God. I believe He cares about all of us. Yes, challenges come in our lives, but that’s another story for another time. What I hope to remember is this: 

Always Act on a Generous Thought.