The Rare Gem

When I was in Highschool,

I needed money to get

a car. So, I made my own business.

A cleaning business. I was so proud of

myself when I placed the brochures into

my neighbor's mailboxes. A couple of

days passed and I heard nothing.

Until one day, a neighbor

reached out to me, saying

she could really use the

extra help.

As I made my way to

my very first client, I

was terrified.

As my small fist knocked

on the door, my heart pounded

out of my chest. I had no idea

who was behind the door, nor

what to expect. My mind quickly

drowned by a thousand questions.

What is she like? Is she reserved

or outgoing? Is she strict?

What is her life story?

As the thick white door

opened, a silent short

alarm beep went off. Following

the door was an elderly woman.

She soon greeted me

with a smile, welcoming

me in with a hand motion.

She began to show me how

she cleaned and her routine.

She was not strict when it

came to cleaning, but I found

out she sure did love her

Clorox wipes. She must've

liked how I cleaned because

she wanted me to come back.

I was excited and proud that

I had my first 'client' or so

called customer. The more

I went over there, the more

interested I was in learning

more about her and her life.

I started going to her house

every other weekend. Each time

I saw her, I asked her a small

question here and there,

about herself.

After spending more

time with her I realized

something. I had found

a rare gem.

During this time in my life,

I was not in a good place spiritually,

emotionally or academically.

I had lost friends as well as my

hope. I often found myself

feeling lonely, wondering how

much more I could take.

I began to go to her house

just to hangout with her. We began

to bake together, laugh and talk about

our walks with Christ. Every now and then

we would go out and shop or get a

bite to eat.

This was more than just a small

side job. It was an investment.

All I had to do was be willing to

be open to something new and

ask questions.

Later in our relationship, she told

me something she hadn't shared

with me yet. She was not able to

have children. She told me I was

such a joy to be around because

I became more like a daughter/

granddaughter to her.

So not only did she need a

helping hand, but another

companion, like me.

This relationship is such a

blessing from God because He

ended up meeting both of our

needs.

Furthermore, not only were

my needs met, but my needs

were beyond met. I finally found

not just a friend, but someone who

could pour into me, someone who,

could encourage me and be a

mentor to me. Like a grandmother

and my prayer warrior. God sent me

an angel when I needed it the most.

I would have never guessed that something

as simple as Clorox wipes and cleaning

supplies could become the foundation

for a beautiful relationship.

CHALLENGE: Don't be afraid to step out

of your comfort zone. You'd be amazed at

how people will respond to a kind gesture

or a question about their life. God tells us in

His word to ask, and we WILL receive.

*I give God the glory for this relationship.

He was the ultimate reason this relationship

was possible. To that special someone, you

know who you are. You are greatly loved.