I hope you are having a great week so far! Here’s a funny story to make you smile!
Last week I was at the drive thru pharmacy after work when something unexpected happened. I sat in the line for ten to fifteen minutes, and when it was my turn, I noticed the lady was wearing a mask and moving slowly. I know it’s a lot being on your feet all day, and I’m sure she was tired. I also just wanted to get home after a long day.
Well, as I was paying, she mentioned a crow that had been hanging out all afternoon. She seemed a little annoyed. She kept talking about it, and so I started paying attention. It’s not every day that a total stranger opens up and starts talking your ear off!
I grew up in the country surrounded by a windbreak of 200+ trees, which was ideal for dozens of cardinals and other songbirds. We also had some token crows that often heckled the other birds. So, on a whim, I offered a helpful tip based on my experience….
Me: You need a crow call!
Her: What?
Me: It’s a little tool the size of a kazoo. That would drive the crow nuts! It’s really fun!
Her: What?!
Maybe she was clueless or just had a hard time hearing me from a distance.
About that time, I remembered that I was wearing my jacket with my mom’s crow call in my pocket! My dad gave it to me when we were going through her things last year. I leave it in that jacket and use it occasionally as I’m walking into work. It’s hilarious… and reminds me of my family and all the fun we have.
So naturally, I pulled it out to show her! 
Me: See, look! You need one of these!
Her: What is that?!
Me: Here, I’ll show you!
And so I proceeded to use the call by blowing three times. 
Sure enough, the crow took notice and started flying around and calling. The lady was so intrigued, she took down her mask and leaned into the drive up window. There was a major shift in her mood and energy level. If I were to gauge by her reaction, we practically became best friends! 
Sure enough, the crow took notice and started flying around and calling. The lady was so intrigued, she took down her mask and leaned into the drive up window. There was a major shift in her mood and energy level. If I were to gauge by her reaction, we practically became best friends! I used the crow call a couple more times because she was grinning and had questions! I could have stayed longer, but other people were waiting in line behind me. I quickly told her how smart crows were and that I’d better go because they would probably remember me and poop on my car! (Watch the fascinating PBS documentary, A Murder of Crows, for more information.) 
I’m pretty sure I made her day a little brighter. After all, it doesn’t take much to spread a little cheer and joy. In other news, I’m probably on the pharmacy camera crow calling like a fool. But, it was worth it!
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God, thanks for the opportunity to brighten this lady’s day. Draw her close to you and speak to her ways she can understand. Help me to be aware of the needs of those around me and be quick to join You in Your work. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Question: When was the last time you had a funny, unexpected encounter with someone that brightened your day and theirs?
Task: Lean in to unexpected conversations and moments, especially if you are tired or preoccupied. You never know what opportunity is right there waiting for you!
