A year ago this week, we were driving from home to Corvallis, OR and met a nasty storm in Lincoln, NE. At home they had around 20 inches of snow. So different from this week. Yesterday the weather was so nice that I decided that rather than driving the mile and a half to the post office, I should ride the bicycle. Nearly the entire bike route is on a concrete bike path that picks up in our addition, just around the corner, crosses 2 bridges, and dumps me out on Main Street. All but about a quarter mile is visible from the road. (This will mean something later.)
I decided to tuck the extra garage door opener in my pocket so it would be easier to get back in when I returned. I set out, enjoying the gorgeous weather and feeling good about the exercise for my knee (and the rest of my body). Arrived at the post office to pick up the mail being held because I had planned to be gone. My departure was delayed, so I wanted to pick up any held mail before paying bills. The only piece of mail was the water bill.
I finished my business there and headed out for home. As I crossed the second bridge I remembered passing a young man buried in his electronic device and earbuds. I decided to drop by the pharmacy to check on a couple of prescriptions before going back home. Having the good feeling of exercise and accomplishment, I arrived at home and reached for the garage door opener, but it wasn't there. Panic hit immediately. I pictured some unscrupulous person finding the opener and driving up and down the streets pushing the button til a door opened. I had carried a backpack for the mail, but it wasn't there. That opener was no where. The logical next move would have been to get back on the bike and retrace my route. I really wasn't up to that. The alternative was to get in the car and retrace as much as possible. I followed my route to the trail and found nothing. However, as I turned around and headed for the pharmacy, I saw that young man walking in our neighborhood. I pulled up beside him and said "Sir..... Sir"... Now I tend to bristle when younger folks call me "Sir" cause it feels old, however I couldn't think of anything else to call him. I guess I could have said "young man".... but that would have really made me feel old. I did get his attention and he smiled and asked what I needed. I explained that I had passed him earlier on my bike and lost my garage door opener. He said that he hadn't seen it, but if I would give him my number he would keep an eye out on his trip back to town.
I went on to the pharmacy and asked Jodi if I had dropped it in there. Negatory (Sorry I had to use that. That's from CJ McCall's trucking "songs". ) I went on to the post office. As I drove along, I scanned as much of the bike path as possible, taking care to not run into anyone or anything on the road. Asked Patty at the post office and left my number there. As I got back in the car to continue my search, my phone rang. I need to insert here that earlier, my prayer was, "Lord, here I am needing your help again. You know where the opener is and I ask that you would let me know where it is." I didn't recognize the number on my phone, but answered it. I think he said his name was Mike, but he was the guy I had talked to earlier. He had my opener. I thanked him and thanked God and we set a place to meet.
He was walking on that part of the path that was hidden from the highway and streets when a young lady pushing a stroller said, "did you lose a garage door opener".. He said, "No, but I know whose it is."... As I was heading to the post office, I saw this young lady and almost stopped to ask her about the opener, but there really wasn't a good place for me to pull over near her. Those who know me, know that I much prefer the country or small town to city dwelling. This little story illustrates my reasoning. I am so thankful for honest helpful people.
Another interesting little piece of this story is why that young man was walking. He was somewhat ill and was home from work because of that. In addition, he was trying to train for a 5K run on Saturday, but because of the illness decided to take an extended walk instead.
Then I think of the orchestration God used to answer my prayer. All of this was set in motion before I had even dropped the opener. This young man and I had noticed each other as I passed him earlier. As I was looking for the opener, he was right there where I couldn't miss him. When the young lady found the opener, there he was ready to take the baton and pass it on. That's my little story about a scare and salvation. Just in case I bored you and wasted your time, here's a link to help you understand the small town mentality.
http://vevo.ly/i07fHO
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