Have you ever started out running one errand, but found yourself running an errand for someone else instead? Let me tell you — God is one smooth dude. I thought I was running to town for eye liner and dog food. However, both stores on my list were closed. So I ran to Target. 

I walked into the makeup section to search for my brand, but my focus was immediately shifted to Paul. Paul was the older gentleman who was timidly walking the aisles of the beauty section. He looked lost. I watched from a distance as he looked carefully at the products and then referred back to his phone. 

All of a sudden I heard words exiting my mouth, "Do you need help finding something?"

He let out a sigh of relief and said "Oh yes! Lord bless you. I'm looking for a clear, no chip, top coat... do you know what that is?!"

I helped him find the nail polish he was searching for and handed it to him. He looked down at the bottle of nail polish and began to explain through a broken voice that the polish was for his wife. She had pancreatic cancer. He was there buying a few little things for her to make her feel beautiful. 

Her name was Pamela and I had the privilege of praying for her and Paul in the middle of the beauty section in a crowded store. He wiped tears from his eyes as he said "Amen." He explained he wasn't crying because he was sad, but because he was amazed at God's faithfulness. He said every time he went out to get a little something for his wife to encourage her, he encounters someone who encourages him. 

We parted ways and I went on the hunt for the elusive eyeliner. 

They were out. 

I left empty handed. 

But I’ll tell you this: Paul and I both left with full hearts. I truly believe my purpose for the trip into town was fulfilled. I didn’t leave my house thinking, “How can I be a point of contact for Jesus today?” I just wanted eye liner. But since the pain of my divorce, I can’t help but recognize other people’s pain. Hurt people still need to buy groceries. They still commute to work. They still pump gas. Order their favorite coffee. Go for eye exams. Buy nail polish for their sick wife. 

Hurting people are probably in any public place you find yourself today. Just look around. Seriously, stop whatever task you are currently working on and look around you. If you see pain in their eyes — pray for them. Show kindness. Lend a helping hand. But in order to recognize hurting people we must look up from our errands.