A dresser and then a dream.

I can’t make up this stuff up…pull up a chair, get comfy, pour a drink, and enjoy the last sip.

It all started with a dresser. Yes, a dresser. I moved to Santa Barbara into a cute cottage or should I say, cracker box, about a month ago and had to let go most of my Chicago furniture.  One of bedrooms has no closets. Seriously, how do even call it a bedroom without a closet? I was in desperate need of storage. So with a press of an Facebook app and a search, I found a dresser. The arrangements were made.

Fifteen miles through the mountains, a forest preserve, deep into the woods, my GPS announced, “You have arrived at your destination.” Oh Crap!

I panicked and threw the jeep in reverse. It was straight out of a horror movie …” She went looking for a dresser and ended up dead.” That’s not gonna be me. I floored it, pulled over to a street light and tried to call the seller. No service. Are you kidding me?

I shifted to drive. Yep, I’m outta here…. Until lights. Sirens… and a “Miss, can I see your driver’s license?”

 “Sorry, officer. I am lost. Do you know where Paradise store is?”

Ten minutes later, I pulled in a parking lot.” Welcome to Paradise.” Seriously, God, Paradise? Furniture and cash were exchange. The deal was done. But the next day, I was pulled in by an antique chair. Same place. Same deal.

The talented furniture artist and I exchanged information. “Can you find me an armoire?”

A text received. Another deal was in the making. And then she gushed.

My husband said you are a writer.

I am a CFP, but I write a blog.

Later that day, another text:

I have read so many of your writings. I’m addicted. LOL

BUT Wait… Here is where the plot turns:

Her husband arrived at my house, money is exchanged, and then…

“ Lisa. I can’t thank you enough for believing in my wife and hiring her. She stepped down from her job from University of Santa Barbara to take care of our autistic child. I never finished college, but I can take the engineer test with California to be a licensed civil engineer. I am working towards it. No one believes in us. … We read your blog of how you were broke and now your living your dream…. You are giving us a chance to change our life.”

I bit my lip, swallowed hard, and hugged him.

“You are an amazing woman, Lisa.”

“No, God is amazing. Nicholle is so talented. You will be great.”

I closed the door and cried… and then yelled.

“You know me God, you really know me. You brought me here. I thought it was about me… but it was about You. I get it.”

Mother Theresa always said, “Serve the one in front of you.”

We are all called to serve. Sometimes, the smallest of ways, can have the greatest impact.

I  Corinthians 16:58 ” Nothing you do for the Lord will ever be wasted.”

You can change someone’s story. What is your heart whispering? Will you listen?

P.S. Please check out Minted & Chipped on FB for amazing furniture.