Miss Betty Day 80

I met Miss Betty 3 years ago when I started delivering Little Debbies to her place of business. I would call her restaurant, convenience store, laundromat a mom and pop type of business located in downtown Worton, MD. However, there`s no pop, Miss Betty is the sole proprietor of this leased establishment know as Clark`s store.



Apparently Miss Betty has some serious roots to this business. In l953 his store was built by her father and uncle on a corner of their 80 acre farm. In 1954 James and Lottie Clark purchased the store and operated it as a gas, coal, restaurant, and laundromat for decades. I`d call that a mini-mall!



Miss Betty, a sweet young farm girl, was employed by the Clark's from 1953-1956. Miss Betty then moved from the area; she recently returned in April 2003 to lease the property and continue aging the business.



It`s the type of place where everyone knows your name and they`re always glad you came. The early morning locals have their special seats along the well aged, belly up to the bar type counter. I can only image the stories that have been shared at this counter in the last 57 years.



There has always been something that makes me feel very much at home as I stocked my Little Debbie shelf. I felt familiar feelings that I experienced in my own deli and sandwich shop that I owned and operated for 23 years in Dover, DE.

Today, Miss Betty was having a difficult day, she`s working herself to death trying to keep her business afloat. She has problems finding and keeping committed employees. This was a problem that I could certainly sympathize with.

Of course I offered to pray with her; as I began to praise, pray and lift concerns to our Heavenly Father Miss Betty and I bowed head and joined hands. As I finished with watery eyes Miss Betty hugged and thanked me.

I also shared with Miss Betty that I was considering changing jobs and that I had recently submitted an application to drive a school bus. As if a light went on, she said why don`t you help me run this place?

Just as God has done with Miss Betty, could He be returning me full circle to the mom and pop type of business that I enjoyed for over twenty years.

It sure would be a great place to continue my prayer ministry; no screaming kids on a school bus. Sure does warrant serious consideration. I have some heavy praying and listening to do.

John15:16-17 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command; Love each other.