Before She Called, He Answered

She was worn out. Teachers have a whole new level of challenges with COVID-19. It was evening. She was looking for deals at Dollar Tree for her classroom. She found some poster board for her students that would be perfect for them to make some animal report posters. Rochelle Stanton* explained to the clerk what they were for, and she was happy with her find.

He walked over to Rochelle and said, “Did I hear right that you are a teacher?”

She startled, and looked at the gentleman who had approached quietly. She answered, "Yes."

He said, “step aside.” And he proceeded to pay for her purchase of $18.

She learned he was retired from the Marines and had a son in the Navy. He told her the military is trying to support teachers because they believe that teachers’ jobs are harder than theirs during this COVID-19 crisis. He just saw a teacher and he wanted to help.

Rochelle was shocked and was in tears because of his kindness. She says, “his investment impacted my heart more than he’ll ever know. May I be as considerate of others as he was of me.”

God knew what she needed. She says, “It made me feel like I’m not alone in this daily fight. I felt like God knew I needed that encouragement and sent this gentleman my way to be a bright spot in my day.”

Answers to prayers often come before we even call. God knows when we need help and is able to help us in ways that are more exceedingly abundant than we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. 

~ Isaiah 65:24

*Rochelle teaches in the Arizona Conference and formerly served as an associate educational superintendent in Upper Columbia Conference.