Sunflower Seeds, Lotto Tickets, and No Receipt
The apparent randomness of encountering people is often God’s way of fully revealing Himself. Yesterday, I stopped for gas and had a strange craving for sunflower seeds. So I filled up, walked into the store, made my purchase, and — of course — I couldn’t resist putting down a few dollars on a lottery ticket.
In doing so, I struck up a conversation with the cashier, Lupe, who was covering a shift on Father’s Day from another location. She explained she’d fallen victim to racism that morning — a customer demanded a refund and said it was because of the color of her skin.
I listened, acknowledged her hurt, and then I spoke to her from a place I felt God would want me to. “Lupe, that man’s suffering and actions reflect him, not you. His torment isn’t yours to carry. We should pray for him.”
She looked up at me and said, “Usually, every morning, I pray Oración a la Sangre de Cristo — the Prayer to the Blood of Christ — but today I rushed and forgot.”
I said, “Maybe this encounter is a reminder to say it now.”
Then Lupe recited:
Prayer to the Blood of Christ
Lord Jesus,
by the power of Your Precious Blood,
seal all people, places, or situations
that may harm me at this moment.
Cover me with Your Blood,
protect me from all evil,
from all the schemes of the enemy,
from all envy, hatred, or lack of love.
Blood of Christ, who triumphed on the Cross,
defend me, heal me, deliver me,
and make me an instrument of light, faith, and salvation.
Amen.
I left the store and walked back toward my car, only to realize I hadn’t gotten a receipt. So I turned around and went back in. There Lupe stood again, and we exchanged a knowing look. “I think God wanted me to see you once more today.” She nodded quietly. “I think so.”
This moment reminded me that there are no coincidences — there are only divine appointments. God orchestrates these encounters to help us navigate this world, to lift each other up, and to bring peace, healing, and understanding. His hand is always at work, even in the small, ordinary exchanges we might normally rush past. It’s in these moments we realize we’re not alone — we’re all connected by a loving God who guides us, whether we realize it or not.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28
