Parking Lot Encounter

I enjoy sitting in my van in the parking lot outside of my place of work during my lunch break - especially if the sun is shining. Well, it was shining when I went out there a few days ago, but by the time I got into my van, a huge cloud had darkened the sun. That's pretty common here in the Pacific Northwest. As I dug into my lunch, I noticed a small SUV pulling into the parking place facing me, and right away I thought to myself, "I hope it doesn't hit me." Now, why would I even think that?
The driver must not have thought she was in the spot straight, so she backed up, and then pulled in again and hit me! What...?!
So, by this time it was raining, and I got my umbrella and met the lady outside to inspect for any damage. She was apologizing profusely and saying how sorry she was. I took a look at my bumper and saw there was no damage, and told her there was no need to give me her insurance information that she was offering. Then she told me how she was distracted because she had recently had to put her beloved dog to sleep. She started to cry and so did I. I gave her a hug and comforted her, saying not to worry, no damage was done and that it was OK. I understood.
Then I said to her I'd pray that she'd feel alright soon. She thanked me and then went back into her car to wipe the tears and then on to the grocery store.
I went back into work, thinking about this experience and wondering why it happened, and why I'd had some premonition about it.
In about a half an hour, the woman came into the store where I work. (She knew where it was because I had my apron on while outside - with the name on it.) She was bringing me a beautiful pot of yellow begonias. She wanted to say again how sorry she was and to thank me for being so understanding and so sweet to her. Well, then, I was crying again! She explained that her dog was a beautiful Golden Retriever that she and her husband had taken in 15 years ago. She was suffering so much from missing him.
I asked her name and told her mine, and then asked if she ever came into the store, and she said "No, not so much. But, maybe now I will."
I work in a Christian bookstore.
I have to believe that this was some "Divine appointment" that God had given to me. I truly hope she will come into my store again, and that I had some part in helping her through her grieving process.
It also reminded me that one never knows what someone else is going through, and that their behavior reflects it. It's a good opportunity to pray for them and to show them some gentleness and encouragement. I am looking forward to my next "parking lot experience", wherever that may be.