On a recent day trip to Branson intended for relaxation, we’d experienced a number of ups and downs, more downs than ups. As we headed toward Branson West, Ken realized we needed gas and prices had been better than usual in the tourist town, so we decided to stop at Walmart. We pulled up to the pump and Ken filled the tank then got a message that there was no paper to print his receipt. Making his way to the cashier’s window, he spotted a wallet lying on the pavement. He showed it to the attendant who immediately insisted that he hand the wallet over and because of the person’s attitude Ken was reluctant to do that.

I heard a loud discussion behind the car but didn’t know what was happening until Ken hopped into the car and left the station. The story unfolded as we drove over to the store parking lot where he promptly called 911 to report the wallet, not exactly the purpose of 911, but we didn’t want to take the wallet home and, after some discussion, decided that would be the quickest way for the owner to be contacted and reunited with his belongings.

That had been a difficult decision for Ken because of a negative experience from his childhood. It seems he found a lost or discarded bike and took it to the local police station. An officer accepted it with what seemed to Ken a little too much enthusiasm. Ken asked what would happen to the bike and the officer told him it would stay there for thirty days and, if no one claimed it, Ken could have the bike if he wanted. He was very excited by the prospect of happening onto a very nice bike that could be his in just a month. He counted down the days and went back to the station to inquire about the bike. The officers on duty told him that they were sorry, but someone had claimed it. However, something in their attitude convinced Ken that one of them had taken it home to a child of their own. Since that day, he vowed that when or if he found something of value, he would find a way to return it on his own and he’d been successful up to that point.

Back to our story….the dispatcher had said that there was an officer in the area and they agreed that we would meet in front of Walmart. Ken waited there while I picked up a few needed items and the officer arrived just as I had checked out. We turned over the wallet and all its contents, asking the officer to please locate the owner as quickly as possible because he would undoubtedly be concerned about credit cards, driver’s license, and any other personal items contained within the wallet. We said our thanks for his prompt and professional response and headed up 160 to Nixa and on to our home. As we drove, I whispered a prayer that the wallet and its owner would be reunited and there would be no negative repercussions for anyone.

Later that evening, as we were watching TV, a stranger called saying he had just picked up his wallet and heard the story of how it was handled. It turned out he carried an employee ID for Silver Dollar City and when the officer explained to them what had happened, they graciously provided a contact number for the man. He told Ken that after leaving the gas station, he’d gone to a fast-food restaurant for a snack and found himself without his wallet. Upon his return to the station, the attendant told him some guy had taken it and that he would never see it again. Well, he was wrong. Our new friend had retrieved his wallet inside of two hours because of the efforts of my sweet husband and an honorable police officer. His heartfelt thanks were offered to Ken and everyone’s day ended on a high note. (And maybe Ken’s confidence in the integrity of our law enforcement officers got a little boost in the process.)

I firmly believe that God had his hand on that whole situation. He prompted Ken to look at his gas gauge just as we were approaching Walmart. The machine ran out of paper just when Ken arrived on the scene, making him walk to the window, where he spotted the wallet. He was prompted by past memories to follow his conscience but also to seek help through reliable authorities and to impress upon them how distraught the man would be at this loss. The officer who responded was a true professional and carried through with the effort to locate the man and all of us were watched over as we worked to accomplish a common goal, to take care of our neighbor.  

It seems like a simple story but, to one man, it meant a lot. We’ll likely never have contact with him again, but on that afternoon, God brought several people together to guarantee a good outcome. His plan is always best and we need to always remember to turn to Him first.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did it for me. Matthew 25:40 NIV