A Listen. A Prayer. A Tear

So last night I decided after a meeting to go and do a little grocery shopping and some banking.  On the way there, I made a critical decision, though at the time I made it I had no idea just how important it would be.  It was a simple enough choice, turn the steering wheel right and go shopping or left and go to the bank first.  When I arrived at the bank, I decided to answer a couple of text messages before heading in.  I went in and did my banking and just as I finished a woman came into the bank.  When she opened the door, she was mumbling and muttering under her breath that she really did not want to do the bit of banking she needed to do.  She was obviously distraught, and she looked like she was exhausted and had not slept for ages and I don’t think she knew I had heard what she said on her way into the bank.  While I stood there waiting for my receipt to print she came up to me and asked me "Do you sometimes hate banking?”  However, before I could answer she said she really did not want to take money from her account and give it to her ungrateful son.  She proceeded to pour out her story of woe and how her son had squandered a huge amount of money his father had given him and now was in need of a hand out.  In addition, not only was her son giving her grief but now her 16 year old daughter was not listening to her and instead fighting her at every turn.  She finished by saying that she has prayed over and over and over for her children to the Lord, so she said, "I guess I just have to trust he will take care of them.”  This conversation took place standing in the bank in front of the bank machine and lasted about 5 or 6 minutes and no one came into the bank, we had it to ourselves.  It was as if she just needed to unburden herself and she just needed someone to listen to her and not talk back or storm away or offer platitudes.  I stood there listening.  Then I asked her if I could pray for her.  Her eye welled up with tears immediately.  I bowed my head and began to pray blessings, grace, and peace and love over her and her family.  As I prayed, she stood there weeping sniffling and shaking.  When I had finished I asked her if she would like a simple hug and bit of reassurance that tomorrow is a new day and that she just had to finish this one and get some rest.  She looked up at me and said, "You know it seems that I am always the one doing the praying.  It has been so good to be the one prayed for."  Thank you she said as I turned and headed out of the bank.  I love these kinds of encounters with people.  Every once in a while I am blessed by the Lord just to do a simple act of kindness like this for another.  A listen; A prayer; A tear.  Thanks Lord for using me to bless this woman in your name.