As we were riding to a photography shop we met an elderly lady on the bus crocheting. I asked her if she made the hat she was wearing and she excitedly answered yes! She began to try and teach me how to crochet while talking about her daily life. Realizing that I was not picking up on the crocheting fast enough she invited my friends and I to her daily meeting place at dunkin donuts at 10am.
In conversation, she mention how she didn’t feel needed or wanted by the younger generation at church. This broke my heart and I knew we needed to see her again.
The following day we showed up ready to ‘bless her with our presence’ and give her the yarn we had bought. But instead we were the ones blessed. She showed up and intentionally had bought extra yarn. She also gave us her own knitting needles and a crochet hook since we failed to find some at our local dollar store. She even gave us a hat she had made for a little boy for us to use as reference, insisting she would make a new hat for the boy she had in mind. She refusing to take our yarn or our money. She didn’t need materialistic things. What she needed was to be wanted: for us to accept her yarn, for us to need her teaching, for us to love her as a human being. Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” It got me reflecting and asking the question. How often did I visit an elderly friends just to grace them with my presence, but didn’t take the time to listen to their wisdom, learn from their experience, and make them feel empowered, needed, and wanted?
What a beautiful experience! Thank you for sharing this experience and proverb which I have never recognized before. With my wife having gray hair…wow! I am blessed to be a recipient to her righteous life!
This is sooooo precious! I see the Lord’s love and influence rippling out from this simple bus convo even further than you’ve seen already. Thanks for sharing, Liz!!!!!
Awesome experience. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this story Liz! Great reminder that we can, and will find God in simple and unexpected ways. Just have to let him lead. Keep the stories coming!
Have very much enjoyed following you on this journey, and look forward to your future entries! Stay safe!
Dear Liz & Friends,
I loved reading about your “not by chance” encounter with the lady on the bus who became your friend. The Holy Spirit was at work here bringing your lives together! I am certain this was an experience she will never forget and you will always remember, all of you cherishing this special time spent together. Your time is the greatest gift you can give!
Love you, Aunt Shari
P.S. Did you get a photo of her, too?
Such a sweet encounter Ellie. I love how God spoke to you through this encounter. Thank you Ellie for sharing how important it is to notice people and be ready absorb what they have to give, especially the elderly. God has so much to teach us through our elderly friends, brothers and sisters in the faith. Love you girl!!!
Dear Liz; So happy that you were able to connect with someone that needed your group. God is so good. Hope you and the group stay safe, where will you go from Chicago? So love getting your news, makes my heart happy!! Hugs, Marlene