A lady clearing off the tables greeted me:
"How are you today?"
Just in time I remembered to answer,
"I'm thankful and blessed."
The woman stopped in her tracks and
Began to laugh.
"I praise God every morning," she said.
We shared our common joy and then I
Gave her one of my bracelets.
Nina was so elated with the gift that she
Returned with another worker.
"My friend saw my bracelet, and she needs
One too."
I learned that Carol's husband had recently
Died, and the problems are piling up weighing her
Down.
As I tied the beads to her wrist I told her I
Would pray for her.
Both of the ladies lingered by my table, eager
To talk.
They asked me to come back.
Even though the restaurant is far out of
My way, I will try to return.
The encounter was delightfully unexpected.
But I wonder whether the conversation would have
Developed if in response to Nina's, "How are You?" I had
Simply answered, "Fine."