Have you been surprised by a stranger’s goodness? I have. It came so unexpectedly.
Giving is doing what we were made for: loving God and our neighbors.[1]
A stranger’s goodness was not what we went looking for. My sister and niece took time off work to drive 300 miles up the freeway for a long-overdue visit to celebrate my birthday. Since neither of them had seen the breathtaking Japanese Garden, that would be our plan. My youngest daughter joined us and did the driving. At nine-thirty the next morning she picked us up in her SUV to spend a one-of-a-kind day together; two sisters, two daughters, two aunts, and two cousins.
Goodness Extended
We pulled into a great parking space close to the main gate. After buying parking validation, and putting it in the passenger window, we crossed the street. At last we were on our way to the garden’s ticket booth to pay the entry fee. About then a friendly lady, a total stranger of Japanese descent, began to chat with us. She, too, was going into the garden.
“Are you planning to visit the Japanese Garden today?” she asked.
“Yes,” I responded. “My sister thought I should celebrate my birthday here. She and her daughter drove up from southern Oregon. This seemed the prettiest place to create a shared memory.”
“Well, happy birthday. This is your lucky day,” the lady continued. “I volunteer here and am about to start my shift.” She introduced herself as Thea and showed us her entry badge. “Volunteer workers can take four guests into the garden. It’s quite expensive at the gate. Would you be my guests today?”
Generosity Accepted
“Really? Yes!” I answered, hardly able to believe what I was hearing. “You are definitely an example of the Lord’s goodness. Thank you for such a huge blessing. We do accept your gracious gift.”
The conversation continued as she led us through the gate and up the pathway to the garden entrance; informing us of the new tea house cafe, a bigger gift shop, and a large public area for hosting special events.
“God bless you, Thea,” I said, as she went on her way. Without a doubt, all four of us felt blessed down to our toes when we stepped into those beautiful, awe-inspiring grounds. Flowers and Koi fish, and beauty everywhere. A nice stranger had saved us nearly $75! “Save your money for a nice lunch,” she’d said. Her generosity was like God’s presence shining down all around us.
God’s Goodness Continued
And the kindnesses didn’t stop when we left the garden. They continued the whole day. At lunch, a very popular restaurant on a charming street in the Pearl, a window table “just happened” to be available. Not really. It wasn’t coincidence at all. I am convinced God’s favor brought it about. What a view!
Best of all, God’s goodness allowed time for renewing family bonds. Having a huge chunk of time for just us girls was indeed rare. I had an uninterrupted opportunity to visit with my sister and niece, and my sister experienced the same thing. Two cousins, busy moms themselves, who hadn’t visited in years, got caught up on life.
Acts 20:35b “The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
[1] Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, Multnomah 2001, Page 90
