I know everyone has had it happen.
Here you are talking to someone and a random person nearby is listening to every word y’all say. Sometimes you can tell when someone is eavesdropping because they make it obvious, and today that is what happened. I was at a sporting goods store looking at supplies I will need, seeing what they had on sale. So here I am, talking to an employee about the sleeping bag I want, but can’t find on the shelf. Since nobody buys camping gear during the winter, he inquired why I was looking. So of course I give the brief synopsis of the World Race, what it’s about, etc. we talk for a couple minutes, and I notice this guy just standing in the aisle seeming to pay attention to our conversation. After I get the sleeping bag I wanted, I headed over to look at some rain gear and find a full rain outfit (pants and jacket).
Next it was over to the luggage aisles which are full of duffel bags, school backpacks, rolling suit cases, wait! There it is, the hiking backpacks! Or not…they only had a couple small ones (20L and 30L). As I go to leave the luggage, I notice that same guy again. To try and see what’s going on with him following me, I give him a “how’s it going?” as I walk by. Then came my favorite line…”I couldn’t help but overhear…” (Yep, he was an eavesdropper. Here comes the feedback about how crazy I am for doing this.)
“I couldn’t help but overhear you talking about the World Race over there. One of my son’s friends went a couple years ago, he said it was a great experience. I would love to help you out with some of your gear, did you not find a backpack?” Wow! That’s not advice, that’s a complete stranger wanting to “help me out with some of my gear.” But now I’m thinking he’s gonna give me advice on what brand to buy, etc. So I tell him I didn’t even see any adult backpacks, but there was one on Amazon that I really liked. He pulls out his phone and has me pull it up. Quickest way was to go to my registry and show him on there. Next thing I know, he’s whipping out his wallet and buying me this $140 hiking backpack!
Then he hands me the cash to buy the sleeping bag and rain gear (another $60)! When I asked for his name and address to send him a thank you letter, he simply says “thank God” and walks out of the store.
I do wish I was able to send him a thank you letter, but I did manage to give him one of my cards with my blog address on it. So, that being said, to this random guy: I want to thank you for your kindness and generosity! Purchasing these items for me was way more than I would have ever expected a complete stranger to do! Your act of selflessness will not be forgotten every time I put my backpack on, lay down in my sleeping bag, or put on the rain gear to stay dry (which I’m pretty sure at lease one of those will happen every day while I’m on the World Race)! You have shown me that God will make everything come together for His will, through friends, family, and even anonymous strangers! I will be praying for blessings on you and your family!
P.S.- You also showed me that eavesdroppers aren’t always a bad thing
Before prayer requests, I want to make sure I mention praise that God is AWESOME! The way He will put someone by you to simply “wow” you just blows me away!
As for prayer requests: I have had 1 day off work in the past month, which has put me a bit behind on getting my support letters done, as well as getting other preparation steps for the Race done. So prayers that I will have the time to get those letters out, and get caught up on everything else I need to get done.
Until next time, this is Jason at 277 days until launch!
