Leanne has a blog called “Life Happens When” and she recently blogged about an experience she had at a grocery store that she says has literally changed her life. The message that the stranger gave her has given her a whole new meaning to her life because it really hit home. What started out as an average run to the grocery store turned out to be something else entirely.

She was pushing her cart full of groceries through the store and had her young kids with her when an elderly man approached her. Without hesitating, he looked her in the eye and said, “I need to tell you something.” Leanne wasn’t sure what to think, but it was obvious that the man had something important to say. He got straight to the point and his words shook her to the core.

Looking back, Leanne says there was no other explanation than to believe that the man had been sent by God to share his message with her. What he shared with her was a story about his own son. He explained that when his son was just five years old, he had asked his father to build a bird house. The man had told his son that he had other “important” things to do for work.

His son slumped off in disappointment, but didn’t cry or make a scene. That’s when the man felt terrible for disappointing his son. So he called out to his son, took time away from his work, and built the bird house together.

It has now been over 40 years since that day, and although he doesn’t remember what his work was at that time that was so “important”, he still remembers the experience of bonding with his son. He still has that birdhouse.

Leanne says her eyes immediately filled with tears, and although she spends most of her days with her children, she doesn’t always devote herself fully to them. She says like many moms, she half-heartedly does activities with them, gets distracted by chores or her phone, and fusses at them too much while trying to accomplish her to-do list.

She admitted that the man probably will never know just how much he stopped her in her tracks and helped her readjust her priorities. He was truly an inspiration to her to be more intentional with her family. Leanne says that she believes God puts certain people in our lives to “show us the way”, so the next time a stranger stops you and wants to tell you something, open your heart and really listen.

If you agree with what Leanne believes, be sure to share this message with your family and friends. Little moments like these can truly change our lives.