Help a Brother Out!

Today's entry is more of a reminder that God works in mysterious ways than a "lesson."

I had a horrible day yesterday! I got some bad news on a personal note and then as I was reeling from that, trying to process the information, I got a phone call. It was United Airlines, telling me my flight home for the weekend, my father's birthday, has been canceled!

I was on the phone, trying everything in my power to get on another flight. I finally got one, but from an airport far, far away. Instead of being thankful that I was going to be able to go home, I got upset about the money it would cost me to take a cab there. Sadly, we find ourselves caught up in the material things too easily.

The cabbie came and picked me up. We exchanged plesentries, but my head was in my hands. I was upset and my mind was going a mile a minute. I called my mother and left her a message to inform her of my flight changes. He must have heard me say "Assalamu alaikum ..." or perhaps he assumed, because I was speaking Arabic, but he said "Are you OK, sister?"

I raised my head from my hands and looked up at him, a bit surprised. He said, "You are Muslim, right?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Can I tell you something, sister?"

"Sure," I answered.

"I can say this to you because, as a Muslim, you will understand what I mean. I was just talking to my brother and telling him that I was worried about my business. Today has been very slow. A few dollars here, a few dollars there. He reminded me that I should be thankful, so I said 'alhamdulilah' (Arabic for Thanks be to God or Thank God). I hung up with him. A few minutes later, I got the call to go pick you up and here you are, going a far distance." He grinned and then his face lit up as he continued, "And your a sister giving to your brother."

I felt foolish. I smiled back at him and whole-heartedly replied, "Alhamdulilah."

"I am sorry that you had a rough day sister, but there is always a reason. Today, it seems that I am your reason. You had to go down your rough path today in order for you to be in the position to help me now. And who knows? Maybe there is something bad that is going to happen and God averted your course, so you would not meet with whatever bad thing. Now insha'Allah, everything will be fine for the both of us."

I couldn't stop smiling, sheepishly, but smiling none-the-less. "You are right, brother, thank you for reminding me of what is important and of God's mercy."

As I got to the airport, finally, I was no longer upset about the money. In fact, I decided to exercise another one of Islam's lessons - giving to those in need. I handed him more than enough and like a true brother, he thanked me and didn't bother counting it. He just said "alhamdulilah" and put the cash in his pocket.

He helped me with my bags and wished me a safe journey. "Remember sister, this life is merely a test for the true believers. God tests you because he loves you."

I wanted to cry. I felt a huge, emotional release, and suddenly things didn't feel so heavy. "Thank you brother, for reminding me of what's important. God sent you to me today, as the sign I needed."

He seemed happy with this statement of mine. "He sent us to each other. Assalamu alaikum."

"Wa alaikum assalam."

And with a kind wave of his hand, he was gone. The feeling in my heart, however, is still with me, and I hope it never leaves.