Last month, when I was running around like a crazy person at our "Battle of the Bands," I had $200 stolen from my briefcase. I didn't notice it missing until that evening when I went to have my hair colored. I assumed it was one of my impulsive students who just couldn't resist the temptation to steal cash. I had such a sinking feeling when I realized I had been robbed. It was hard to describe the feeling of loss, violation, and disappointment, quickly coalescing into a distinct pit in my stomach. I should have been more careful. I should never carry cash in my wallet. Stupid. I certainly shouldn't have left my bags unattended anywhere near the vicinity of my students. Nevertheless, what was done, was done. I alerted staff to be on the lookout and continued to get my hair colored to the tune of $160! So expensive for me!
That evening, I was awakened by a memory. I saw two distinct dollar bills. I touched them! Right near the beginning of our music performances I grabbed my briefcase and sat directly in back of the judges. I noticed two bills directly underneath the judge's feet. I motioned to the young adult judge to pick up the bills saying, "You dropped some money." Another therapist even witnessed it. The judge picked it up. I didn't think anything of it UNTIL I realized that was probably MY $200 bills. The next morning I sent a text to the organizer asking him to reach out to the judges, fully expecting that at least the judge guy would say, "Oh yeah, I picked that up". Or at least offer some explanation whether it was indeed my $200 or his own cash. I waited for a response. Crickets. Nothing. The organizer finally texted back that each of the three judges hadn't picked anything up off the floor or seen any cash laying around.
This time I felt sick. Are you kidding me? I SAW the judge pick up the cash! I can understand the impulsive students taking it out of my bag-but dishonesty from the adults? It made me feel sick inside. My best guess is that one of the boys took it out of my wallet that was in my briefcase. When they saw me pick it up, I think they may have felt remorse when they realized it was "Erin's bag". Maybe they didn't want to steal from me. So using their stupid teenager brain, as one of the boys went to the restroom, he passed by me and discretely dropped the two bills on the floor where I might find it. AND I DID! But I thought it was the judges money!
Regardless, it was gone. With time, it became a humorous story. People felt bad for me. My tenant, felt sorry for me so she paid her rent early. My boss said she would find a way to get my $200 back to me. Throughout the month, it was like the video, "Windows of Heaven" where cash rained down on me, specifically in the specific amount- $200. I was glad I had been one of the first people to sign up for tithing declaration in October!
The first $200 came that evening as my son paid back a prior loan for the exact amount of $200. Then the same week, my mother sent a check for the exact amount of "$200". Then my boss gave me $200 worth of gift cards right before my trip to Boston. Then when returning from my trip, my son gave me $200 worth in cash along with a big hug at the gas station. Then last week, while in the residential directors' office, they whipped out another gift card for $200 "just because". So for the initial $200 loss, I received $1000- all in $200 chunks.
Talk about being financially blessed, financially supported, financially protected! I think that is pretty amazing. Of course, it all comes and goes so easily. Most of it has already been paid out again to other adult children for various needs. But I have to, I must recognize God's hand in this financial blessing. It was not just a coincidence. And to make it clear, the $200 symbolic gesture was repeated at least FIVE different times! I am grateful for his generous care as he works through the GENEROUS HEARTS of my fellow human beings. How gracious is our God!
