Swapping punches for blessings

 

Two weeks ago on my way to Spitalfields market, I bumped into this old lady that had a jumble sale on the side walk. I thought it was quite interesting that she had angry toys: a couple of stuffed bears that were really bitter looking. So I took out my phone and took a picture. She approached me instantly and offered me a punch. I was so shocked that I wasn't quite sure what was she talking about.
Since then I been carrying her in my heart quite heavily. Shw is probably the same age as my grandma, but she was so angry and bitter. I wonder about all what life could have possibly given her, or put her through that turned her to be that way. I remember praying for her that Sunday night at church: "the lady of the punches" God bless her heart.
I bumped into her last week in Central London in a day which was crucial for me: I needed love and I found myself dry to give her the love she needed. I came back home and prayed for her again.
Today I bumped into her again. I didn't wanted to let this opportunity happen without me changing her life. I ran home, heat some left over turkey and carrots I had from the dinner party, pack a bag with all the stuff I had a round home that she could be able to sell, bended my knees quickly and prayed: "God please let me be the love she needs, let me be the blessing she needs. Open her heart so she can exchange the punches she have received for your love. Please make her still be there"
I ran with my bags full of chocolate, ginger cookies, dinner and house jumble and there she was: standing still like waiting for someone.

I approached her:

me: Excuse me madam, I brought you dinner. It's thanksgiving at home this week and I want to share my dinner with you. I also brought you some stuff that you might find useful to sell that it's no good to me any more

She smelled the turkey and looked at me in the eyes with watery eyes and said: "where is home?"

I said to her: "Oh I just live around the block, not too far"

She said to me: "No where is home for you? where do you come from?" I said "Oh NY, I'm going back to NY".

She said to me: "I thought you came from heaven"

I said to her: "I just want to tell you that you are a blessing"

She took my hand really timidly and said "God bless you because you are an angel".

I said to her "God bless you too, He will because you know He is here for you"

This bitter woman crumbled. Her eyes turned watery, and I said good night.
And then I had my blessing...