Wednesday afternoon, while battling a temptation to turn around on Belle Terre Boulevard before heading to St. James Parish and go to the Shell station to get a Butterfinger Crisp candy bar (my favorite), I caved in.

While waiting to check out, I introduced myself to the couple in line ahead of me.

They were very pleasant and it was obvious they enjoy meeting people as much as I do. Their names were Ted and Elena Lane and they were on their way home to Mission, Texas.

After talking for a few minutes, Ted suggested we sit down and talk. Elena was cold and chose to go outside and sit in the sun.

Ted shared that Elena was from Russia and that they have been married for five years.

He was 64 years old and has been a musician most of his life, having traveled the world with different groups as a clarinet player. He performed with the National Symphony Orchestra in Quito, Ecuador, and retired as the Director of Music at Florida State University.

Ted shared that he was a Christian. I asked how he met his wife and he smiled and said, “I think my mom, who is in Heaven, arranged it.”

Before leaving, we prayed.

Ted and Elena convinced me that the people we meet on our journey to eternity is one of God’s greatest gifts.

I’m glad I decided to stop and get that Butterfinger Crisp candy bar. I really didn’t need it, but God thought I needed to be blessed by meeting Ted and Elena.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084; call 985-652-8477; or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.