A Pair of Shoes
Tall, deep blue delphiniums, soft and bright peach roses, white daisies, and burgundy orchids filled oversized flower pots. Always well-kept, each tub held a picture-perfect cornucopia of colors, textures, and heights.
We walked up the curved stairway to the second floor of Macy’s Men’s Store, looking for a new pair of men’s shoes. Don found some very comfortable Rockports he liked. However, on clearance, they didn’t have his size 12 in chocolate brown.
Checking inventory, the salesman told us another store had two pair available.
“That’s a long way to drive,” said Don. However, we were leaving for Canada in five days and he needed good walking shoes for the trip.
“Let’s just do it and make sure we can get these before they’re gone,” I said.
We parked right by the door and meandered into Macy’s Men’s Store, where we saw a tall, red-haired brunette returning to the department.
”Can I help you?”
“Yes, Stanford Macy’s said you had two pair of these shoes in chocolate brown, size 12.”
“I’ll check.”
Returning from the back room, she apologized that the inventory was incorrect and they did not have the shoes we wanted. But she brought another shoe in Don’s size.
Enjoying her accent, I asked “Are you by chance from Russia?”
“The Ukraine.”
I raised my brows. “My father was born in the Ukraine.”
”Thank you for your kindness,” Nataliya said. “So often people get annoyed, saying they can’t understand me. But I speak Russian and English and they don’t speak Russian. But being in America has been a real blessing, thanks to Jesus.”
“Are you a Christian?” I asked.
“Yes, I love the Lord.”
“So do we.”
“I knew it; I could see it in your eyes and the way you smiled at me.” Nataliya began to tear up. “I’m having a hard day–some medical and money things. I just asked Jesus to help me, and here you are, a brother and sister to encourage me. He is so faithful. Praise Jesus.”
We talked a bit longer, and Don bought the shoes, after which Nataliya came out from behind the counter. “I’m su
pposed to be so professional but I have to give you both a hug.”
When I tried to hand her some extra money, Nataliya backed away and said, “No, I will be ok, thanks Jesus, but just pray for me.” We promised to do that and walked away, saying “If we don’t see you again down here, we’ll see you up there,” pointing to heaven.
What a joy. Another divine appointment–all because of a pair of shoes.
Where have you experienced a divine appointment recently? I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks, Carol. Charles had a similar divine experience while working at Nordstrom in the Customer Service Department. A woman came in to pay a bill and to buy a gift certificate. During conversation Charles and the customer talked about where they were born. Turns out the woman gasped when she heard Charles was from Paducah, KY. She had an uncle born there too, about the same year as Charles’ father. She mentioned the name and then it was Charles’ turn to gasp. The man she named was his father’s best friend, who had loaned Charles’ dad money during the Great Depression. His dad paid back the loan and was forever grateful for this generous man who ‘saved’ his family when they were flat broke. God does work in mysterious ways.
Karen, your story gave me chills. What a wonderful God moment for Charles and this customer to meet thousands of miles from their fathers, who were best friends, one of whom played such a significant role in Charles’ family’s life. Thank you for sharing.