I hugged a painter today. 

Let me explain.

We have a warranty department here and for the first year of owning our home we call this department when we have issues with our homes.   And they set us up with the proper help.  Usually within two days we'll get a phone call for them to come out.  I've had them over for various small issues and have been pleased with the results.

Last week I had the pressure washer guy wash my home and he noticed quite a bit of paint splatter on my vinyl siding.  He said he couldn't dislodge this paint and that I should get my siding replaced.  Most likely the painters working on my home cleaned their brushes and shook them up against the house splattering paint over at least six rows or more of siding.  It was a sloppy stupid thing to do said the painter when she came to check on the house. 

She groaned when she first saw the side of the house.  It was going to be a job and she was not too happy.  So she tried mineral spirits and a toothbrush and some acetone but it wasn't coming off very easily.  She came over the first time the day before yesterday but told me she'd be back the next day to finish since it was not coming off easily.  Yesterday while I was out she attempted again but had to leave because she was having chest pains.  She left a lengthy explanation in my door and a message on my phone.  Both messages seemed rather detailed, which I thought was a bit unusual for someone I just met the day before.  I liked her immediately but still it seemed sort of odd. 

Well today she came back.  I ran out to ask how she was.  Yesterday she spent over 8 hours in the hospital having all sorts of testing.  Turns out it was stress which is what I was thinking it was.  No wonder.  As she started to tell me her story I could see why.  She was going thru a divorce from an abusive husband who almost killed her last year.  She has three young daughters and is working full time.  On top of this she's getting ready to attend classes with the Criminal Justice Department to work with woman who have been abused.  Whew!  A lot to handle all at once.

She is a sweet girl wrapped up in a tough exterior.  But even so, she's a new ambassador for God.  She will be a bright light to alot of women out there.  She says her desire is to help women both emotionally, spiritually as well as physically.   

She found out about a product called "Goof Off" which worked a miracle on the side of my house.  She purchased it at Ace Hardware and it did the job perfectly.  I'm convinced and am going to get that $8 can of liquid to take some number stickers off my house.  It's pretty good stuff. 

Anyhow after all was said and done we had a long conversation.  She told me she had been doing things her way all along and has now decided to let God take the wheel.  When Carrie Underwood first came out with the song "Jesus Take The Wheel" it  was the beginning of the change in her.  She's now giving her life to God knowing he can do a much better job with her life than she's been doing.  I was able to encourage her to stay the course and gave her a few scriptures to look up when she got home which she wrote on her hand. 

Before  she left  she gave me her phone number.  I went over to give her a hug and this tough girl with the tongue piercing and weary face held onto me with a tight grip.  What a privilege it is to meet people along life's highway and give a word of encouragement.   

This is now the third person in a week God has sent my way right into my home.  First a pressure washer young man, then a bug guy and now a painter.    In all three instances it was clear to me that God was working a mighty work behind the scenes.  And in all three cases, they want further friendship.  Right now I'm hoping to invite Sean (pressure washer guy) and his wife over for dinner.  We talked at length both on the phone and in my home.  He wants me to meet his wife and I want him to meet my husband. 

Isn't it great how new friendships blossom so unexpectedly like this?

God is good.