Priceless PDA’s!

It started in my bedroom closet, when I got dressed for church yesterday morning.  What would I wear?  My eyes moved to an outfit I hadn’t worn in quite some time.  It felt “right” somehow.  So I put it on.

After church, we stopped at our “local” grocery store, eleven miles away.  We needed some provisions.  It was either stop there, or drive another twenty-five miles.

We got out of our car and headed across the parking lot toward the front door.  I reached out and took my husband’s hand.  Just a simple PDA (Public Display of Affection).

But PDA it was.

That’s when I saw her.  A woman heading toward us with her shopping cart full.  She had just come out of the store we were about to enter.  I didn’t expect any exchange.

But with You around, Lord — always — I should have known better!   🙂

She spoke first.  “I love the sweater you’re wearing!”  I thanked her.  Then she added, “And I really miss that.”  That?  What did she mean?

“You’re holding hands.  I used to do that with my husband.  He’s been gone for 27 years.  I still miss that connection.”

Your heart prompting to me, Lord, lasted a fraction of a fraction of a second.  I said:  “Let me give you a connection.”  And I wrapped her in my arms with a warm “bear hug”… which she returned instantly.

There we were, hugging and laughing.  Stopping the flow of traffic… for a moment.

Stopping the ache of loneliness… for a moment.

She told me more.  They had been married more than three decades.  They got married just one week after meeting!  And after almost three decades apart, she is still feeling their connection… and wishing it had “skin” on it.

Yesterday, it did… for the briefest moment.  Thanks to You, Lord.

Because You sent each of us to that grocery store in search of food.  And You had me choose a seldom-worn outfit to wear.  An outfit a woman I had never met would notice.  So she would also notice our simple PDA…

… so I could deliver Your hug to her, Lord — with skin on it!

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?… So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ … But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  (Matthew 6:25,31,33)

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”  (Deuteronomy 33:27)

Hugging You still,

Abba’s Girl

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