Brenda McQuait was my branch and regional advisor for many
years. During those years I regularly made the 110 mile trek on 81 South to
Green Castle for sales meetings after working all day and with two little boys
at home. It was a LONGGGGG trek … even after I stopped working full-time.
Last night I trekked a few miles further south to
Hagerstown, MD. Driving alone in the pitch black night, in complete silence, I
lovingly remembered all my basket buddies as though it were just yesterday. I
pictured Brenda’s pretty little brick house on Allison St. I smelled the delightful
aroma of a Yankee Candle burning in her cozy kitchen. All of us basket-crazed girls
were gathered in a tight circle in the living room surrounded by beautiful new products
gibberishly jabbering about all their amazing uses and lusting to own them! Inhaling
deeply, the smell of fresh basket stain filled my nostrils. (There really
should be a Yankee Candle with that scent!) The attractive awards lined up on
the mantle lured me. I could taste the drive, desire, and success that burned
within me throughout those memorable years long ago.
Tired after a full day’s work, I wondered how I regularly
made the roundtrip in a single night when my kids were little so many years
ago.
I won a Priceline Bid for a room at the Ramada Inn on
Halfway Blvd in Hagerstown, MD. When I pulled up to the hotel the first thing I
noticed was the Fireside Restaurant. I thought, “I think I had dinner here once
with my basket buddies: Brenda, Linda, and Ellen.” Precious friends whom I
haven’t seen in years; and yet, if we were to see each other today we’d pick up
right we left off.
I entered the hotel lobby and smilingly thought, “Yes, I’ve
been here before. This is where our Regional Meetings were held. Right in THAT conference
room,” directly off the lobby.
With a grin from ear to ear I checked in and thanked God for
orchestrating my stay in a place where so many fond memories were made. It wasn’t
luxurious like many of the hotels where I stay on business travel. But, it was
warm and cozy because of the memories. This was where I got my start and
passion for public speaking; where I won many accolades and awards for my
performance; where my confidence was formed. God knew where He was taking me.
This morning I had a meeting at the hotel next door. At
breakfast I was sharing my nostalgia with some ladies. The one lady pointed to
the empty seat next to her where someone strew a pocketbook and coat, and then
disappeared. She said, “You need to talk to Jen.”
When she came back, I introduced myself and enthusiastically
shared my story. I discovered that Jen was a Longaberger Consultant too. She
was in Brenda’s branch with me for a short time before branching out with my
very dear friend, Linda, who lives in Hagerstown. What are the chances that a
woman whose path intersected with mine almost 20 years ago would sit at my table
and reminisce with me about baskets over breakfast while I worked, catching me
up on the life of a friend who strongly influenced my life many years ago?
I believe God winked to let me know He orchestrated this
meeting to show me just how far He has brought me; how He has woven my past into
my present as He continues to create the tapestry of my life. God delivered me
from those strong desires for material possessions and that vigorous drive for
success. He’s given me incredible peace and contentment in Jesus, His Son. Those
precious ladies and unforgettable memories are all part of His Divine Design. I
am humbled and grateful that God winked while I worked!
Thanks, Marcy, for introducing me to godwinks!
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