This story will bring tears to my eyes because my heart will recall the precious friend God delivered to me one day in a big yellow passenger van.  I will share our introduction to each other in a later story.  We enjoyed friendship with one another for only a short season, about a year and a half; but they were” divinely orchestrated” days filled with eternal memories.

On our introduction, my friend shared that she was legally blind; and at our first encounter she wanted me to know that she was unable to see me with clarity, and would always require my help in guiding her steps along the way.  She had marvelous maneuverability with her “walker,”  and I always made sure I kept in step with her or she would be way out in front of me.  

Each Sunday morning I would await her arrival at church via a taxi bus that would bring her to the curb.  She would gleefully exit the steps with the help of the driver, and then I would soon call out her name to let her know I was waiting for her.

After our friendship was sealed, from time to time I would phone to check up on her.  We just felt so “at home” with each other.  One day I phoned to surprise her with the announcement and invitation to join me for breakfast at a fast food restaurant called Tim Hortons.   In her 90 plus years of life, she had never been to this restaurant, nor had she ever tasted an egg and sausage croissant (one of life’s little pleasures).

In my event book (my calendar) I knew this social outing needed to happen and soon, so a day and a time was chosen.  She wasn’t hard to locate at the assisted living facility she lived in.   She was there waiting front and center in the lobby standing beside her walker beaming with anticipation for this up and coming “breakfast surprise.”  All through the time it took her to gleefully consume that egg and sausage croissant, she managed a smile from ear-to-ear.

About a year later our times together were at a nursing home to where she had been moved due to a fall she had taken in her apartment at the assisted living facility.   Her room was very sparse, with only a few photos and a cherished quilt that covered her tiny frame.    Our weekly visits were precious and joy filled and we enjoyed being together either in her room, or out on the patio in the sunshine. 

Week after week we would talk together about her wishes for a really “nice” room.   Her name was on the waiting list, but it would be months before that move was about to take place.   But we made it a matter of prayer.

Each month she seemed to grow weaker and less interested in her “room request.”   But over a cup of coffee, we’d laugh and chat and exchange a big hug at the end of our time together.   She never complained.

Then the big day came!   Upon arrival I was informed that she was in her “new” room.  It was clean and fresh, and her whole being was enjoying the filtered sunshine that glistened into her new room.    Today my visit was different…..and she was different.    She knew someone was there, but I wasn’t sure that she knew that it was me.   

Touching another tenderly is a wonderful kindness to give someone, especially if they can’t bring you into focus.   Her eyes were dim and so was her countenance.    I thought to myself, “What can I do?”   It turned into a prayer.   I took hold of her hands and just held them, and told her that I was there and she wasn’t alone. 

I asked if she wanted anything…..and her quick response embraced my favorite Scripture.    She said she wanted water.   I went over to a refrigerator for ice and prepared a cold glass of water and inserted a straw.   Gently holding the straw to her mouth, she inhaled the glass of water and asked for more.  

She managed a gracious smile and then shared the sweetest encouragement a soul could hear.

“Thanks for being here, and being my friend.”

We just held hands while our hearts connected in spirit.   My heart just knew that this would be my last opportunity to minister to my sweet friend: and to do so in the fashion of my favorite verse:

“And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”  Matthew 10:42

Her friendship rewarded my heart many times, and yet I had no idea that this last “gift of refreshment” given to her, would embrace a verse I loved and cherished.    A few days later, God took her home to be with Him…..in her “new room” prepared just for her.  He not only answered her prayer for a new “earthly room” but He gifted her with His presence, in her new eternal home.

I’ve discovered that God notices, uses, and blesses every tiny outreach to others.   A glass of cold water is odorless, colorless and tasteless; yet it brings a refreshment like none other.

God “gifts our lives” with other people for a myriad of reasons and for special seasons.   May we all be encouraged to be sensitive and alert to the “cups of cold water opportunities” God brings to accompany our walk in life.

Our words “to others” and “about others” are so important.  I’d venture to say they are life changing!

Proverbs 18:21  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

This scenario happened many years ago.  I was a junior in high school at the time.    Summer break had come to an end and the other half of my high school years was about to commence.

I found myself lodged in a second year Spanish class.  I came to this choice figuring that if I made it through one year of Spanish, I could attempt another year.   That was a wrong assumption.   The teacher appeared shortly after the students were seated and began waxing eloquent in Spanish.   Now in that we had all taken a year of Spanish, this man assumed that we all had made straight A’s in his class and could now communicate fluently in his native tongue.

The horror of this story is that I remained in his class for almost six weeks before I had the courage to admit that I barely understood a word said in his class.    It wasn’t rocket science for me to determine that I needed to abandon this language tuition, and embark on another course of study.

Ah, shorthand!   In thinking ahead for my future employment, I assumed that being able to take shorthand could prove to be a real plus in the secretarial field.     

I tried graciously to admit that language wasn’t my forte and so I signed up for a shorthand class with Miss May.    When I entered this class she was very receptive of me which immediately endeared me to her.   The challenge was…..I was now six weeks behind all the other shorthand students.  

Somehow in the discovery of realizing her new student was six weeks behind the others.  This “kind and patient” teacher agreed to stay after class each day to try and bring me up-to-speed (and I mean that literally) on the basics of Gregg shorthand.

Amazingly, after about six weeks of this after-school study and instruction time, I was now in sync with the other students.  I’m not saying I was the brightest by a long shot, but at least I was now participating in the same chapter in the book as the rest of the class.

Ah, first year of shorthand was over.   This was a teacher that made learning a joy.   That deserves recognition right off the bat, doesn’t it?

Miss May would take us on field trips and fun events.  I recall that our class spent an evening in her apartment making taffy.  She was a teacher who became a friend and a mentor, all in one.  No wonder everyone enjoyed her class and her approach to teaching.   She made learning “fun.” 

Summer break was over and it was back-to-school for my senior year.   In that I so enjoyed Miss May’s class, I decided to enlist for a second year of shorthand.    Miss May married during that summer, following the school recess, we now  addressed this beautiful woman by her new name.

As we entered her class, I sat at the far wall, second row.   Funny the things we remember!   She not only taught shorthand, she taught good posture as well.   I know that, because so often she would meander by my desk, requesting me to sit up straight and pull my shoulders back.   She still comes to mind when I’m attentive to my posture.

You know, no one ever corrected my posture before, but I discovered you sure appear more confident in appearance if you’re sitting up straight, not to mention the appreciation of your vertebrae.

I wanted to write about this dear person, because she was the first person that I can remember in my life who ever gave me a WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT.    

I can’t recall all the details of our work assignment in class, but we were asked one day to write a business letter, using the right punctuation, salutation, complimentary closing, date, etc.   You know, a real official-like letter.    Every student submitted their letters in class on the specified day.   

She must have been very busy that night, because the following day she came to class with our “letter-writing efforts” in hand complimented by her assigned grades in the upper right-hand corner.  If my memory serves me right, she employed a “red” marking pen, so that her comments and grade evaluation were boldly captured.  

I think (?) I got an A.   Her comments that appeared at the top of my letter and her words are forever etched in my mind and in my heart:

          Dianne, you have a flair for letter-writing!

That sentence changed my life!!!   Can you believe it?   You see, the way I was raised I didn’t receive any verbal encouragement, and often I felt as though I would never amount to much.    This phrase, written at the top of my typed business letter, reflected the fact that this teacher could see “potential” in me.

Towards the end of the year, the business academia of the school were going to present awards.   One award to be given was entitled the most “Outstanding Achievement Award. “             

The high school students were gathered for this event in the school gym.   I remember positioning myself at the top section of the bleachers as I confidently knew that my name would not be heard resounding through the PA system in the auditorium.   But I was comfortable and ready to enthusiastically applaud whoever was chosen.

I did notice that one of my classmates from the shorthand class had positioned herself on the bottom row of bleachers, the most convenient row you might say for easy access to receive an award if your name was called.  She received straight A’s if I remember correctly.   She was a very bright student.   My assumption is that she had probably figured out that she would be chosen, and so positioned herself in that convenient location.

Several awards were presented, and then the moment came when the name of the recipient was to be announced for the achievement award.   MY NAME was announced!   I could hardly believe it.   I think friends seated around me had to confirm it to me, and move me out of my comfortable position  at the top of the auditorium so I could get down the twenty or more rows to receive the award.

I was given the award and $100.   I’m still amazed.   But let me share what was more meaningful than the plaque and the $l00.   It was the fact that this teacher believed in me, and that she felt that “my life had potential.”   How was I to know that she thought my life had any potential in the business sphere if she hadn’t told me in writing on my first attempt at a business letter?

This isn’t the end of the story.   We became friends after I got out of high school, and we have remained friends to this day.  I will always “cherish her” as an encourager personified!   Why? Because she took the time to let me know that my efforts and skills were beginning to blossom, and that I had potential.

I’m not the best with writing or authorship, but what’s really important is that she affirmed me in an area in which God was working and preparing me.

Who in your life needs YOUR WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT?

Let’s all keep a perceptive eye on the potential in others….and then, be sure and communicate that to them.  

Our words can serve as a CONSTRUCTION ZONE or a DEMOLITION SITE!

Proverbs 18:21  “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Proverbs 16:21  “The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning.”

My husband and I were living in the Southeast part of the United States where we were on staff of a rather large church.   This particular  church was hosting some kind of dinner evening, and being on staff, we were automatically included on the guest list. 

Personally, I’m not fond of head tables.  At this particular event, there were many guests invited and the seating arrangement was assigned in advance.   When we arrived and I viewed the scattering of place cards, my heart groaned within knowing we were seated at the “display table.”  I hope you’re on the same page of humor as I am, and recognize that I’m describing the “head table.”

Quietly I asked the Lord if He was sure He wanted us at that table and that specific location.   People began arriving and scurrying toward their assigned seats.  Within a few moments, a lady came to the area where our name cards were placed, and she began rearranging the cards as though they were on skates.   It appeared as though four cards were being moved to a new location.

By now, I’m beginning to think the Lord has something in mind.   My eyes kept a keen lookout as to where we were moving to.   And yes, we were still at the head table.  The event was about to commence, so we positioned our bodies at the appropriate and assigned seating arrangement.

My heart wasn’t happy, but as time passed I began to recall that the Lord directs our “steps…..and our stops”…….and where He is determining us to sit at events.    It wasn’t long before a pleasant conversation began to take place with the lovely couple seated next to me.    They were simply delightful, and we seemed to just blend together as if we had known each other for years.    

After the dinner, my husband and I continued our interaction with this couple.   They were about forty or more years ahead of us in years, but that didn’t matter at all.    We all seemed to enjoy one another so much that we wanted to continue this relationship.

Plans were made to go for dinner one evening.   In fact we experienced many dinner engagements with them.   We loved being with them, and they seemed to enjoy our company as well.

We had only been married about four years, and financially we could pay our bills, but there wasn’t much left over.   If we ever went out for an evening, we needed to decide beforehand if we were going out for coffee, or would it be ice cream, because we couldn’t afford both at the same time.    I trust you’re catching on to our financial status of “just making it…..with not much left over.”

This one evening our new friends invited us out for dinner.   It was to be a special evening.   Little did I know ‘how’ special.   We met in the lobby of a bank.   We found that interesting.   We knew they had a drive through at this banking facility, but it wasn’t for serving food.  We were curious as we entered the building.

We followed the lead of this couple to the elevator.  When the elevator door closed, it seemed we were on that elevator a very long time.   I can’t remember the floor number, but we landed ‘at the top.’   Yes, this restaurant was at the top of this commercial high rise building.

All of the restaurants we’d ever been to were at “ground level”…and so were their prices.    The height of this restaurant and the commanding 360 degree view certainly reflected in the prices as well.    I’ll get to that in just a minute.   Everyone was really dressed up.  That means no jeans or slacks I might add.  It turned out to be a private, very exclusive club.    

After a few minutes of welcomed chit chat, I began to look around.   I didn’t need to visually circle the entire environment before coming to my first observation. Our names were on printed cards in front of us.   The cover on the pack of matches (black with gold lettering) had our friends’ name on it.    At this point, my eyes enlarged like giant grapes at my new discovery.    

This was nothing compared to my next revelation.    My husband and I opened our menus at the same time and made the identical discovery.   There were no prices next to the selections to choose from the cuisine.   This was no Bob’s Big Boy, or Denny’s, I assure you.

Our eyes met and you could almost read our thoughts appearing on our inner foreheads.   This is incredible.   Whenever we’re invited out to dinner by anyone, we try and choose something that’s the most reasonable on the menu.   With no prices, what were we to do?   How could we make a sensible, conservatively priced decision?

Our gentleman friend helped us in our dilemma to relax by asking us to have ‘whatever you like.’     Needless-to-say, our dinner was incredible and we enjoyed every tasty morsel of the meal.  We consumed, with delight, every item on the plate.

Over the course of months, we had many meals with this couple; but the problem was that they were always asking “us” out and not the other way around.   By now, you may be surmising our new dilemma.   We simply loved being with this couple, but at the time, we couldn’t afford to even take them for a fast-food dinner.   

I think I must have worked some overtime at the bank where I was employed to afford enough money to take them to Baskin & Robins.   Yes, that’s the 31 flavor ice cream bar for poorer folks like us.

One Sunday afternoon we picked them up at their penthouse condo on the beach, and off we drove to our delicious ice cream destination.   We always had fun together.   I can’t remember if they had one scoop or two, but their reaction to our ice cream social was certainly one of sincere appreciation.   They weren’t looking for our names on the cover of the matches.  They just appreciated that we wanted to spend time with them, looking for nothing in return.

Between licks of ice cream, we shared honestly and openly with our friends that we couldn’t afford to reciprocate in the same fashion as they extended to us; but we really loved having them with us.   They assured us that it was our friendship that was of “value” to them, regardless of the price of the cone.  And by the way, our income some months would only allow us to purchase the cone only…..no ice cream.

The Christmas season was fast approaching, and my husband and I thought that it would be a great idea to have them over for dinner.    We made plans for the evening and this couple seemed thrilled to be asked to our home.

Now it’s important to remember that these people lived at the top of a high-rise….a penthouse on the beach that was much more than the size of our home.   We lived, shall we say, on the mezzanine level of the neighborhood.

The evening was set.   We didn’t have a dining room table at the time, so we ate dinner on a borrowed card table that had some years on its legs.  I placed a white tablecloth on top and did my best for table presentation.  And in case your curiosity is getting the best of you, no, there wasn’t even a vase of fresh flowers on the table.  We used the best and most down-to-earth approach — plates, serviettes (napkins), knife, fork and spoon, with salt and pepper on the side.

They arrived at our home and we were delighted.   We escorted our friends into the dining room where our borrowed card table was camouflaged in white accessories.   The dinner conversation was laced with laughter, like it always had been when the four of us were together. 

In that it was the Christmas season we wanted to give them a gift to show them love and how much we valued their friendship with us.   The week before, I had made some homemade shortbread.  As I remember the volume was about two dozen. 

I wrapped the shortbread in a box, and wrapped the gift as attractively as I could muster.   I wanted the gift to look special, because I felt that the contents were “amazingly plain,” just shortbread.

We finished our dinner and it was time to relax in the living room, just a few steps beyond the card table.   They sat on our sofa and I presented the package to him.    He opened it carefully and when he saw the contents, he went into tears.    Now I know I’m not Mrs. Field’s Cookies, but I was stunned at his tears.   His wife was choked up as well.   I will never forget what transpired after the grand opening of the box of shortbread.

I began to apologize in a quiet way for such an insignificant gift to them.   Without being rude, he gently interrupted my apology with a response I was not expecting.

He used our names and said that they loved our friendship and were so pleased with our gift.   They shared that our friendship was a “gift” to them.   They were very, very wealthy.   They could have spit us out as change as far as their mass of wealth was concerned.  

But he quickly assured us that our friendship was precious to them and valued.  They both began to share from their hearts that other people they knew socially would try and outdo them with dinners and lavish evenings.    Their other relationships were filled with people endeavoring to impressive them.    My husband and I had nothing to impress them with…..except our love for them.

They both felt that our little box of cookies was the nicest gift they had ever received.   I learned a valuable lesson from our friends that day.   Never seek to impress anyone with anything less than your love for them.

Whenever I make shortbread, I’m often reminded that it’s not the size of your table or what you put on it, or the gift you may give, but the love that permeates the atmosphere.

It’s how you make people feel that counts!

 And that can happen with a simple bowl of soup or a grilled cheese sandwich.  Now, who are YOU having for dinner?

It was a cold winter morning.   I had just arrived at church.  My husband was out of town that weekend.  I try and remember to ask the Lord to direct me to just the people He intends for me to meet and interact with each day.  Today was no exception, but it happened sooner than expected. 

After parking my car I was meandering from the car to the entrance of the church.  The parking lot wasn’t hosting a crowd of people at that moment, as I was a little early.    On my way into the building I noticed a young woman heading in the same direction, but I was “on mission” to get into the building.

However, God’s Spirit paused my steps and caused me to stop, turn around and “notice this young gal.”   She seemed lovely and very friendly.   I observed that she had some sort of struggle in the way she related to me.   She seemed to struggle with her words, but her bright smile warmed up our conversation.

Searching for conversation, I asked her if she had ever attended here at the church before:  and wouldn’t you know, she was “new.”

I know “new” first hand.   It can be scary and intimidating to enter a place where you know no one and where there are groups of people and no one speaks or even acknowledges your presence.

Being new, I thought it wise to introduce her to the ladies room and then we walked into the sanctuary together.  We were both alone, so I took her arm and said, “Let’s sit together.”    I had no idea of what would take place in that service….for her….or for me.

She was new all right; not only to the church but she was unfamiliar as to how to conduct oneself during a service.  She may have thought it was similar to a movie theater because she was trying to conduct her own interactions with me throughout the service.

Bless her heart, she was making comments and asking questions all through the service.  I moved into a more mothering role and had placed my hands gently over my mouth to suggest she might want to be quiet for a while, but I think she interpreted that as “turn up the volume in her voice.”   So I needed to initiate a “shuuu sound,” and told her we could talk more after the morning service.   People were beginning to notice our presence in a more pronounced way. 

Now at this point of sharing this encounter with you, I could just pass over what was brewing in my heart…and it wasn’t a pretty sight.   For a few minutes I couldn’t wait until the service was over so I could just excuse myself and tell this young gal with an inquiring mind, that I needed to get home.

The service ended; however, the Lord hadn’t finished the sermon instructions for my heart.  Gosh, I feel I’m always in class…and I needed to be.

Coffee, tea and donuts were served afterwards.  So I pointed to the area where she could just help herself to a refreshment.  You can just about figure out what’s coming next in the Lord’s Sunday morning agenda for me.  Before I could manufacture a way out of this scenario, I found myself escorting her over to the tea and bought her a donut.  This young woman needed someone to just “pay attention to her and love on her,” even if it felt uncomfortable to me. 

Comfort zone seems to be a theme in this process of becoming more like Jesus, doesn’t it?    We shared a little about her life and needs over tea.

It wasn’t long before she had engulfed her donut and finished her tea.  Suddenly she was ready to leave.  She threw away her cup and out the door she went with a big smile and a goodbye to me.  There seemed to be no indication that our “Sunday rendezvous” was about to end so abruptly.  

I had experienced two sermons that morning.  One in the sanctuary and the other over tea and a donut.  She was my teacher that morning!   And I was her student.

This was another required lesson in the “character class” of learning how to express love to this precious young woman whom the crowds weren’t drawn to.  My heart was shaped more like Jesus’ heart that morning….and I needed that.

The following two Sundays I kept looking for her arrival, but never had the pleasure of seeing her again.  She forever changed how I look at the “scenery of people” arriving in the parking lot.   That morning God was placing me next to my sermon….who wore a lovely smile, especially after a donut and a big hug goodbye.

My husband and I resided in a small condo located downtown in a large city in southern California.   Our unit was on the street level.   So we saw quite a variety of people daily that walked past our patio.   Some were local residents, some were people that were homeless, and many were visiting from all around the world.    Our place resembled a large aquarium of people if we left the window blinds open.

Every morning around 6:00 a.m. I would get up and let our two little dogs out on the side patio for a “potty break.”   We had a special area for them to use.  We hadn’t lived there long when I began noticing other peoples’ morning traffic patterns and habits.   Just down the outdoor corridor from our home, there was a Starbucks coffee shop.   Need I say more?   We got to know the time and the persons who would walk past our place for their morning “cuppa” and off to their employment.

Most of the people I noticed were the general public, but there was one man who came out of our building at 6:00 am sharp, and every day his destination was Starbucks.  He’d return about six minutes later with “coffee” in hand.  

He seemed a quiet guy, and it was weeks before he ever looked up and noticed me standing there with our dogs.  Mind you there was nothing to draw his attention my way….as I was adorned in my lavender robe and my facial appearance left a lot to desire.  It was so early that the “replenishing makeup kit” hadn’t been opened for application.

One morning I ‘risked’ saying hello.   He glanced over and gave a soft hello.  That was it.   Every once in a while I would see him in the hall, but he seemed as though he never wanted to make eye contact.    Up until this time, we had always lived in a home, but took the initiative to develop a rapport of some kind with our neighbors; and so I felt a morning hello always seemed in order.    But no matter what I did to make eye contact and say hello with this man, it seemed obvious he was not interested in knowing his neighbors.   We only lived two doors down the hall from his condo that would measure about l9 walking steps from our door to his. 

For a long time, I’ve been in the habit of praying for our neighbors on Thursdays.  In that he met the requirement of being our neighbor, I began to pray for him.   Some of what I asked of the Lord was that God would open a door of opportunity to make eye contact, and for him to just be able to feel comfortable with saying hello.

The day arrived when this “neighbor” was struggling to enter the building from the parking garage.  His arms were full of packages, so he was struggling to enter the door without dropping his goods.   I just ‘happened’ to approach the door as he was endeavoring to enter the building and head for his condo.   I smiled and opened the door for him.

Well, at last, a tiny smile broke out.   The following morning at, you’ll guess the time, 6:00 a.m. he was on the run for Starbucks.  This morning was different, because on his return with his cup of java, he looked over and called out with a stronger hello.

A few days later, again at 6:00 a.m. as he was returning home from Starbucks, I asked him if he enjoyed lattes.  You might be thinking that’s like asking a rabbit if it likes carrots.

He perked right up and said yes, but that he never purchased lattes at Starbucks because that would be a daily habit that was a little too expensive.

Later that day I put a note under his door and told him that we had a latte machine, and my husband and I enjoyed one every morning before he went to work.   I mentioned that the next time he saw me, he could let me know if he’d want a latte some morning.  

The following morning you can guess what happened.  He was on his usual route to that coffee place, glanced over to where I usually stood, and brought up the fact that having a latte would be FABULOUS.   I believe those were his words.  

I told him we usually drank ours around 7:00 a.m.    So we agreed that at 7:00 a.m. the following morning there would be a gentle tap on his front door (all the doors faced the inside hallway of the building); and if he looked down upon opening his door, a latte would be placed in a conspicuous spot next to his door.

Today was the day for the delivery of the “liquid gift.”   There was no appearance of our neighbor heading for you know where this morning.  He presumably was parked in his abode waiting…anticipating…..his first latte delivery. 

All hands on deck!  My husband and I were both up and ready, the latte machine was on, milk being heated and frothed, and the bottle of vanilla flavoring opened.   All the preparations were completed and it was ready for delivery down the hall.

By this time I had the neighbor’s cell number.  I made the delivery and sent a short text……”your latte has been delivered and outside your door.”

Within minutes he texted back that he was thrilled with his FABULOUS LATTE.

This is how it all began.   Sometimes we’d text him to say ‘it’s on its way’ and he’d be standing there waiting for it.  As the weeks passed by, we even got into discussion in the halls as he was sipping his latte.   This delivery went on around four days every week.  It soon turned into months, and by that time we were “liquid friends.”   

His greeting to us, and the smiles in the hall were like a social gathering.   My husband and I use to laugh at all his texts each time he’d receive a latte.   At Christmas time he parked a nice gift package at our door.   This man became a dear friend with whom we still text from time to time.  We’re no longer living in that area, so his morning deliveries came to an abrupt end when we moved away.   On his birthday each year, we phone him with a question:  “would you like a birthday latte?”

One morning after his “liquid delivery” he made the comment to me that he felt ‘spoiled rotten.”   So from then on, we nick-named him S.R. for spoiled rotten.

What a lovely rapport God gave us with this man.  I was able to share my story of why I became a Christian and our friendship continues….even though we moved away a year or so later.

Every once in a while I text him and inquire if there have been any liquid latte deliveries at his door.    Needless-to-say, it has been a real dry spell at his condo.

Before we moved, we told him that we were adopting him.  He agreed, and we wrote up the papers, had him sign them, and we continue to ‘wish’ that we could share more lattes with him.

Being intentional about reaching out to show care for another has wonderful dividends!!   The best is just having him as a friend.

By the way, his nickname for me is Betty Barista!   I can’t imagine why?

Mathew 5:16  “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Ephesians 2:10  “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

2 Corinthians 5:20a “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”

The expression of our heart!

A picture is worth a thousand words, we’ve all heard that expression, haven’t we?  But what does that convey?  For me, it’s when we see something so lovely, so heart-warming, and so delightful that it moves our hearts beyond verbal expression.   We hear people respond and speak of events as “that’s beyond description,” or “I just can’t find the words.”

At the end of this past year I’d been thinking about “words;” the words we hear and the words we speak.   It’s such a simple collection of letters: W O R D S.   It’s not lengthy or difficult and carries with it only one syllable.    Our words can carry a tremendous weight in and of themselves.   They can bring joy, encouragement, and delight; but they can also transmit disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, and destruction.

Words can be a “construction zone” or a “demolition site.”    The elements of speech that proceed from our mouths have the potential to deliver affirmation or devastating criticism.   It’s not just “what we say,” but “how we say it” that can bless and strengthen the heart of another, or demoralize them in a split second.

Words convey expression from our hearts.   There is one collection of words that may be seldom used, but words with a message that are tenderly and longingly sought after; and those are the words I LOVE YOU.  

I often hear people share that they have never heard those words from their parents.   They knew their parents loved and cared for them, but the parents found it difficult to let the words proceed from their lips to their children.   Often culture, background or how people are raised can squelch that loving expression.  

My heart has been considering the many people over my lifetime who have encouraged me, instructed me, corrected me, loved me, and stretched my character to grow and think about others ahead of myself.   People who have accepted me, just as I am (warts and all), and loved me beyond measure, seeing potential in me that I never comprehended in myself.  

God has used such a carrousel of delightful people to bless my life here on earth.   He has orchestrated a “lifetime array” of circumstances, and in this array, introduced a wide variety of people to love, learn from, and be mentored by.

At the end of last year, I wanted to express to a few precious friends how “grateful” I was that they had been part of my journey through time here on earth.   Their lives touched and enriched me in ways they probably never realized.   My heart and life has experienced such nourishment, enthusiasm, encouragement, correction and joy because of the many “ways and words” these people have shared and have made a profound impact upon my heart and life.

The last few weeks I’ve experienced encouraging comments from five friends that related to a few short responses I gave them in a text.  I was delighted to affirm each person, but was surprised with their “appreciative comments” on how I phrased my affirmation.  What an awakening to me again reminding me that how we “craft our comments and conversation” can  not only be helpful, but sometimes life-changing by giving others a fresh perspective.

Our lives do “impact and influence” others around us.  I was especially thinking of the impact of our words!  We can deposit positive and life-giving joy and encouragement to others, simply by not only “what we say,” but in “how we say it.”   And sometimes, by what we choose “not to say.”

For me, I struggle inside when I’m around “opinionated” people.  And I need to be careful here, because my own mouth and tongue can “motor” around on that highway expressing unsolicited opinions. 

You needn’t get your pen and paper out, but let me share how God addressed something ugly in me a few months ago.  In my reading this particular morning, He highlighted this Scripture verse:   Proverbs 29:11 RSV

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man quietly holds it back. ”RSV

“A fool utters all his mind:  but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards. KJV

“A fool lets it all hang out; a sage quietly mulls it over.”  Message

Oops, you might be saying, I’m not a fool.  Well, God seems to call a spade a spade.  Or on a clearer note, He calls sin ….. exactly what it is, sin.   Sometimes our words can be categorized as words that proceed from a foolish tongue.  

My eyes caught hold of the word fool.   I didn’t want to linger there, but God was kindly pointing out that there was a better way to handle people and circumstances in life.  There was a boomerang affect when I read the rest of the verse.   “…..but a wise man holds it back.”  Holds WHAT back? 

At first, perhaps like you, I wasn’t fond of the word “fool.”  God loves us “just as we are;” but He loves us too much to “leave us there.”    I wondered what a wise man holds back or refrains from.  Yes, part of that verse (in other Bible versions) uses the word anger.  But He’s not just referring to holding in the wrong kind of anger.   Anger is an emotion for sure, but anger most often is reflected in our WORDS and WAYS with others and towards others.

Here’s a verse that addresses the antidote for “holding back our words,” and I’ve memorized this verse to help me watchful with what I say. 

The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicket pours forth evil.”   Proverbs 15:28

If you’re convicted in any way here, may I ask you to get in line behind me on this one?  Let’s learn together.  What captured my thinking was this:  this applies to not only anger, but anything that’s “on your mind.”    It wasn’t long before the word “opinion” came into view.

So often if I have an opinion about something, I feel it needs to be “let out of its cage.”  After reading this Proverbs 29:11 verse, I looked at the bottom section of my Jeremiah Study Bible where there’s a further explanation of the meaning of certain verses.

As I mentioned earlier about my “discomfort” when I’m around opinionated people (who seldom see themselves this way); I was blown out of my socks when God’s arrow fell right on my turf.  I can be opinionated too.   Yes, it even hurts as I express this in writing for all the world to see, but it was true many times of me.  

So, I committed the verse to memory to help ward off the temptation of voicing what
“I think about a topic” without an invitation to do so.  My new trains of thought are to:

“Zippa da lippa.”   Or, engage mind before stepping onto the accelerator of my tongue.   Just because I have an opinion doesn’t mean it needs expression.  I’ve found that we “seldom, if ever, have all the facts about a matter, anyway.” 

Here’s what Dr. David Jeremiah has pointed out in the Jeremiah Study Bible on that verse:

“Many things are better left unsaid, and many opinions are better left unspoken, not only for the sake of others, but for the sake of one’s own well-being.”

So to wrap up our words……………. I’m choosing to continue to study “how to answer”…..and….. “how to not answer.”  How about you?   Our text book on this should be the Bible, not the dictionary.   Just in the book of Proverbs alone, there are numerous verses there to teach a willing student how to interact and connect with others in a “grace-filled” manner.  

 Jesus was a “Master communicator,” and He longs for His children to enlist as students in His “communication class.”   I’ve been in His class for a few years now; so if you feel uneasy in this area, I would love to have you join me, so I don’t feel that I’m the only one in this “Carefully Crafted Communication Class.”

If you’re not certain that God has a lot to say about this area of our “speech,” I have a 31 day challenge for you.  Since there are 31 chapters of Proverbs, there’s a chapter for every day of the month.  When you’re reading each chapter (slowly……) circle every word that appears that refers to speech, words, lips, tongue, etc.  You get what I mean. 

Perhaps you’ll be as shocked as I was.  But then again, how marvelous that God would want to not just challenge what we say and how we say it, He offers a “free education” so we’re more effective with His Word and ways with others. 

“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.”  Proverbs 16:23

Oh that our words and opinions be filled with expressions of encouragement, sound counsel, and filled with grace.   Will you join me in “cutting the kindling” so only goodness is ignited.

“Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.”  Proverbs 26:20

Before I “stop writing” (ha ha ha), let me share a moment I had while in my car with another driver on the highway of life.  I don’t recall the exact details, but suffice it to say that I made a poor judgement in a parking lot.  I was made painfully aware that my judgement wasn’t the best.  How do I know that?   The driver gave me a piece of his mind that he couldn’t afford to lose.  His words and hand gestures just about tore me to pieces.   Wouldn’t you know I was knee-deep in this “verbal response” school, and when this man’s words came bulldozing out of his mouth, I felt buried.    He got out of his car and headed towards me.   This gave me a moment to draw a quick breath of prayer and God brought to my mind Proverbs 15:1.  

I can only give credit to Jesus for literally filling my mind and heart with the words in that verse that I had memorized. Once he was within ear-shot of my voice, I found myself “apologizing” for my error in judgement.  Yes, you read the words correctly.  I apologized!   I told him I was in the wrong and so very sorry.

By now, I probably have your full attention, and you’re wondering how this turned out.  Right?!  My comment literally took him by shock and surprise.  He didn’t know whether to eat a banana or crawl back into his car.   Once he gained his “composure,” he gently said something like, “Oh, that’s okay.”  Then off we travelled in our separate directions.  I’ll never forget the power of God’s word in that automobile scenario.

Proverbs 15:1 “A soft word turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.”

Our words contribute to a “construction zone” or a “demolition site” in the lives of others.  Let’s be wise and positive in our speech, building others up and offering grace to them as God is building His character in them, as well as us.

Years ago, Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist Billy Graham, saw a sign by the road:  “End of Construction—Thank you for your patience.”  Smiling, she remarked that she wanted those words on her gravestone.   

Do you ever have a day when everything just seems to register “zero, not good, get your act together?”   My husband and I had moved into a home that was, shall we say, neglected beyond belief, both inside and out.   My attempts at clearing the outside extended way beyond what I anticipated.  On this day I had just finished bagging 48 large disposable waste bags of yard clippings, leaves and tree trimmings and the temperature of my patience was nearing minus 10 degrees.  Exhaustion was painted all over my body; but, I had completed the clearing and pick up.

Being new to this neighborhood I inquired from my neighbor about the procedure for the city pick up of our yard waste bin, plus how to dispose of these bags.   My neighbor told me that the city would pick up three or four of these yard waste bags each week if they were placed next to the large waste bin provided.  

It was Monday morning and I had proudly placed about four of these bags snuggly next to the large container.   Our little dog began to bark consistently and I knew that her prancing back and forth at the front door was indication that the Sanitation Engineer assigned to our area was soon to arrive.

Yep, here he comes, the loud mechanical noise lifting the bins and moving from house to house singing in the air.   I’ve always shared goodies with our “garbage guy” to show appreciation for their efforts and efficiency in trash removal.  This would be our first meeting “at the can location” and I was so pleased with myself at my orderly arrangement of all the bags, and I felt the young man would also be duly impressed with my neat laid out array of trash for pick up.

I was armed with a big smile, anticipating a congenial introduction.  Now here is where the event goes awry.

It was readily apparent by the young man’s facial expression that it wasn’t a happy one.  He immediately invoked corrective action on his route.

My placement of the rubbish bags was too close to the large bin; and  because of COVID, I was informed that the city was not picking up the paper garbage bags.   All this discourse on his “trash rules and regulations” was blurted out in my direction and with the “not a happy attitude” city employee.

To continue his mean-spirited approach, he hoisted up the arms of his truck and in picking up the bin; ripped a gash in a bag of tree limbs and leaves.   Yes, you can picture that all of this was spewing out of the bag.   He released the bin and pulled away.   The smugness of his look and action was very hurtful.

My neighbor saw what occurred and came over to encourage me.  Once I related my details of the event, she returned home.   About an hour later this same truck appeared again to remove the rubbish from the other side of the street.  My “defense lawyer” (my neighbor) was waiting for the driver.  She spent about ten minutes in “trash conversation” with the garbage collector, the content of which she shared with me later.  

She informed me that she told the driver how inconsiderate he was to me, especially since I was new to the area and was only trying to follow the rules.

Needless-to-say, this wasn’t a good morning for me.  My feelings were hurt, not to mention I was anticipating “nice introduction.”  Humanly speaking, he was about to be crossed off my “treats for the garbage guy list.”  Now it was time to have a chat with the Lord about the verbal confrontation.

Yes, I received my “Divine instructions” and the pathway to mending was plain and simple.   Only put out the appropriate bin and hold off on those 48 bags of yard waste for a few months.

A week had passed and I was “ready and waiting” for the sound of his approach.   To be honest here, my tummy was churning, but I was going to pour out the “kindness barrel” as best I could.   I hadn’t premeditated what I was going to say, but just trusted that if my heart was in the right place, God would fill my mouth with the right words that needed to be delivered.

Here he comes now!   I approached the driveway, where the bin was placed, and as he pulled up, I said, “Did I put everything out okay this time?”   My jaw dropped as I viewed a smile that appeared on his face.  “Yep, you did it right.”  Then he proceeded to tell me why he couldn’t pick up the yard waste in the thick paper bags for a few months.

I thanked him and I thought that would be the wrap up of our conversation.  He paused and said, that he would soon return to empty the garbage on the opposite side of the street.  If I could handle it, he told me to empty one of those paper bags into my bin and roll it across the street and he would empty it for me.  Those bags can be very heavy.  I was informed that I needed to load the yard waste into the bin myself…..as he was “never” to touch a bag, but only use the truck’s pick up mechanism to collect any trash.

What???   I couldn’t believe what came out of his mouth.  About an hour had passed and I perched myself outside in anticipation of his arrival in the big blue truck.  Sure enough, an hour later, he appeared.  This time I was ready with a can of Pepsi in my hand.  His arrival was more pleasant this time.  Perhaps he saw the Pepsi can in my hand as he made his way around the corner of the street.  As he pulled into position, I handed him the can of refreshment as his eyes sparkled and a great big grin appeared on his face.

As he took hold of the Pepsi can as I was attempting to place the second bag of yard waste into the bin when the bin tipped over and all the yard waste went all over the street.   It was just too heavy to get a firm grip on it.

So what would any woman do at this point? I politely told him that he could just move on to the neighbor’s bin, and that I would spend the next few minutes “cleaning the street” from my yard waste.   I knew this would be my next assignment as he had to remain in his truck…per the City’s bylaws. 

At this point, I almost began to cry, but that wouldn’t solve anything.  So I quickly began the clean-up operation.  To my shock and surprise, the door to his cab opened and out he popped.  He began helping me tidy up the street from all the tree clippings that had been stored in this supposedly heavy-duty bag.  

Profuse “thank you’s” exited my lips.  He just smiled and said, “Don’t tell anyone I’m doing this, as I’m not supposed to touch the trash.”

Within about two minutes, the street was cleared, and in the bin and up and over into his truck it went.  He knew I was grateful, and a huge smile from him appeared in the rear view mirror as he drove off.

So perhaps you’re wondering if God is interested and desires to be involved in our “tiny trials.”  The answer is a resounding “YES;” because He longs that we see Him at work in our daily duties and regular routines.  I serve a BIG GOD……who cares to be involved in every aspect of my life and in yours, if we but give Him the opportunity.

And yes, my Sanitation Engineer will become part of my baking routine each week.  He needs to know that in this busy, occupied world, that what “he” does is important, and that it makes a difference in the lives of many people.

Is your “garbage guy” or your personal “sanitation engineer” aware of your appreciation for his or her efforts?

I gave more than blood! 

Good morning!  It was early that day, and even the sun hadn’t come up to shine, so the day’s routine involved getting out of the house at an earlier hour than normal.  I had an appointment to rendezvous with the people who draw blood!   Yep, our local medical laboratory. That ordinary procedure developed a life of its own this day.   I hope like me, you are discovering that what we often refer to as the “ordinary events” of life can sometimes spring into unexpected joys.   When we belong to the Lord, hopefully we rest in the realization of truth that:

“A person’s steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can we understand their own way?”  Proverbs 20:4

His ways lead to His purpose, and many times we will never understand the path before us.  

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.”  Isaiah 55:8

So when you and I feel lost or can’t see a way forward, this verse can bring an unexplained deep peace:  but it’s a peace from God, and not from the world in which we live and move around.

We’re still living with COVID restrictions and we are in the self-isolation mode, so when I venture out, I need to adorn my face with a blue mask.  Honestly, this morning that would be a marked improvement to my appearance.   As an aside, what makes this “mask-wearing protocol” so sad, is that you can’t tell if someone is frowning or smiling.   However, after looking into the mirror, I have discovered that if you put on a really enthusiastic smile, your eyes kind of enlarge and light up.  At least that’s my story and I’m sticking with it. 

Having a shower and dressing for this appointment was quite simple.    All I had to do was just show up and stand in line, of course six feet (2 metre’s) from the person in front of me.  I was there promptly at 8:00 am when the doors to the Lab opened for business.

A lab attendant hurried out the door with his clipboard and pen and proceeded to ask all the COVID questions necessary to allow anyone to enter the facility.

I was ready with my “all no’s” to their questions.   The lineup wasn’t a lengthy one, and so within 10 minutes I was hunkered down inside the facility waiting for my turn to be sequestered to a chair, ready for the “ready, aim and fire” by the gal with the needle.

Yes, the personnel are very clever in how they try to trick you and disguise what’s going to happen next.  To distract you, they begin to ask you questions, like:  what’s your name, date of birth, and then like a tourniquet they strap up your arm.

I really don’t mind needles, just so long as they’re going into someone else’s arm.   Evidence that cowardice was in my profile began to emerge and so I looked away while she did her “little prick” as they call it.  This gal’s “administration of the needle” wasn’t bad:  but I’ve had some in the past that when they inform you that you’re about to receive the prick, you never feel it.  Now that’s what I call a “good day” and an “excellent poke.”

All went well and I was glad that….it was over.   As I was about to leave, the people at the front desk told me that I could obtain the lab results by looking on line.  They gave me the website and the instructions (which seems a little blurry to me); but they were very pleasant, and being no need to hang around, off I went. 

We don’t live far from this lab, so I was home in ten minutes.  After being home for a while I began thinking about the lab staff’s kindness; and with the COVID protocol and restrictions they have to deal with together with the lack of patience and complaints of some people, the thought arose in my mind that a letter of thankfulness might be nice.

But, I was home now and I wanted to relax.   Well, you can imagine Who would not allow me to unwind just yet.  Before long I found myself drawn to my computer; and before I knew what hit me, I was writing a “letter of appreciation” to the Lab personnel.  It only took me a few minutes to strike the keys on the keyboard so that hopefully 15 or so people at the lab could have a better day at the office after receiving my note.

So, off I went to deliver my expression of “gratitude.”   I soon found myself about to stand in the lineup for a second time that morning, a line which had grown considerably since I was there earlier.  The man who was interviewing each patient saw me approach the line and I felt I should let him know that I wasn’t in line again; but that I just wanted to give the lab staff this “letter” from me. 

I was startled when he asked me to “stay right where I was.”  I remained in position and he quickly left me and all the others as he rushed inside, my letter in hand.  He returned moments later with an unusual look on his face.  As he came close, as close as he could without violating the distancing rule, he said these words.

“We have never, ever received a letter like that.  I’ve just read it and it’s now being circulated around to all the staff.”

The countenance on his face was such that I thought he was about to break into tears.  I told him that in a season like this with all that we’re going through, I felt they all needed to know that what they were doing was really important, and I appreciated it very much.   It was a “well-deserved letter of gratitude.”

Off he went, reminiscent of a school boy with a new candy bar.  I can honestly say, I felt the Lord’s pleasure in my own heart all the way home.

As I reflected about my “ordinary way” in my visit to the medical lab, thoughts came to me of the many ways God has provided for me, through others, and I never took advantage of the “practical way” I could express “thanks” to them.  Oh how we need to have the lense of our eyes cleared so we can see others like God sees them.

Proverbs 11:25 “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

I felt joy way down to my feet.  I’m learning to carry a few blank cards of stationery with me when having access to doctors, dentists, or the general public serving me.   They need to know that what they do and how they do it is “important.”

And best of all, you won’t even need a stamp if it’s your personal delivery.

WHO MIGHT YOU WANT TO ENCOURAGE on your next “ordinary outing?”  Go ahead, make someone’s day…..with your words of kindness and appreciation.  Be the love of Jesus, the Savior, to them.  They might just find Him for themselves.

. 

Haven’t we all used the phrase, I was minding my own business when……?

We lived in a large, metropolitan city in California for a time.  We were living in a condo that was at street level.  From there we saw all kinds of people from around the world pass by our little patio.   Some presumably had homes, but many we knew were homeless.

My body needs to have a walk every day.  At the time of this encounter we had only one car.     So, two or three times a day I would meander down the street a few blocks, and walk our dogs in the local park and around the city.

This day, I had just headed out our patio area and down the block to our mailbox, then onto the park for a casual stroll.  After I had cleared our mail box, I felt a strange feeling come over me.  It was as though I was being watched.    I was on a busy intersection at the time, so I wasn’t particularly concerned, but in turning around I saw an older man just standing there on the corner of the street and looking around.  

He seemed lost and attempting to get his bearings as to where he was.    It’s not my custom to talk to male strangers on the street, but a compelling interest in him came over me.  I took the plunge and said something like “Hello, are you looking for someone?”   He said no, but that he wasn’t sure where he was.   I had asked if he was new around this area as I hadn’t seen him before.  

Apparently that struck a chord in his mind.   Yes, he was very new to the area, and said he lived close by with his son.   To find out later, he was just across the street from where he was living when we had this brief encounter.

It was obvious that he needed someone to come along side and bring some direction as to where he was going or to where he needed to return.

There was a gentleness and sweetness about him that was magnetic.   I was on my way to the park and so I asked if he would enjoy taking a 20 minute walk with me.  He happily agreed and assured him that I would walk him home as well.   I learned he was 81 years young and he was just a delight.

I introduced him to what I thought was a new area to him, just two blocks from his apartment, but he firmly maintained that he had been to that park before. 

We strolled together with my two little dogs and proceeded back home.   We only had to cross the street once, where there were train tracks, trolley tracks and a traffic light.   It was a very busy and often congested intersection of the city.    To my amazement, he began crossing the street at the WRONG time, and against the light at the crosswalk.

It was at this point that I sensed I had encountered this man through God’s special purpose.  He was lost….in a number of ways…..and I’m thrilled that my presence was there to ‘find him.’   This situation at the lights confirmed the fact that this man was at a loss to know what to do at an intersection.  

We finally arrived at the front door of his apartment building.   This dear man had trouble with his apartment FOB because he had to swipe it in one area, and then proceed to the door before too much time elapsed so he could enter.   This was a struggle for him.    This became my first, of many, hands-on-instructions.

You won’t believe it…..but his apartment building was directly opposite to where my husband and I were living.

My heart went out to this man and I knew instinctively that this wouldn’t be my last interaction with him.   Before he successfully entered his apartment building, he inquired if I’d be out walking in the afternoon.   Well you can just about guess what happened.

I told him where I would meet him, not knowing if he would remember.  But no, he was right on time and at the right location.  We met just outside our little patio gate.    I went around to exit our building from a different spot to be safe, as I wasn’t sure if he should be aware of where I lived.

Goodness, a walk in the park is getting complicated, but God knew what He was up to in this man’s life and in mine as well.

I won’t embellish this true story, but every day, and twice a day we met outside our condo and walked.   Each time we walked, I found myself in “traffic class” with him showing him over and over and over what to look for on the crossing light and when to cross the street.   We even covered the stop, look and listen instructions.  

He was a marvelous student, and we’d review the instructions every time we came to any set of traffic lights.    He was quite proud of himself in all that he was comprehending at his personalized traffic school.

It wasn’t until I arrived home in our little condo that I realized I was invited by the Lord into this man’s life to provide much needed practical assistance.

After a few days of walking, I could sense his growing dependence upon me.   Inquiring minds need to know things that are helpful.  By now I have his cell phone number and the name of his son that he lives with.   He was generous and open with the information, and I was very grateful.  

As I thought about this new situation, it was certainly obvious to me that I needed to be in contact with his son.  In the event I was a topic of conversation between he and his son, I felt strongly that his son needed to meet me and be aware of our daily rendezvous at the park and why.    

In reading this, you can begin to see my plight.   I wanted to be of help, but I wanted him, and especially his son to know that I was happily married, and just a companion walker with his dad and for his dad.   Oh my, I so needed to set the stage so there were be no complications.

I phoned his son and introduced myself to him.   He had already heard a lot about me from his Dad.    Due to his mental capacities, I just wasn’t sure what was conveyed to this man’s son.   I explained how I met his Dad and what our daily routine was and why.   His son was very understanding and accommodating and agreed to meet me for a personal introduction on my patio.

The introduction went well, and he was fully aware and sensitive to where I was coming from.   I felt more comfortable now walking with his Dad, knowing about the details of his dad’s dementia.

Meeting with the son wasn’t my only agenda as I needed my husband to know the purpose of my new little friendship.  It was like a father-and-daughter walk.

To hear from this older man’s son, he was delighted to know that someone was walking and instructing his dad on the traffic patterns and about new places to walk and explore.

One particular day, in our walk together at the closest park, he shared with me about being separated from his dear wife.   She lived with their daughter on the other side of the United States and he was now living with his son.  They both needed care from their families, but it brought a new dimension to their marriage and they needed to be separated for a season.

Slowly my new friend began to trust me and open up about his life.  To make a long story short, I had the joy of introducing him to Jesus Christ and why He died for him.     I’ll never forget the moment, after sharing the gospel with him through many stories and illustrations, when I asked if he wanted to invite Jesus Christ into his life.

To my surprise and delight he said, “Yes.”   So right there sitting on a park bench, I led him in a prayer.  Ten minutes later, he didn’t remember it………………………..but……………….God takes us just as we are (in every way).    He may not have remembered what He said to God, but God remembered his conversation with Him. ….and that’s all that matters.

We enjoyed many months of walking together, having a sack lunch now and then sitting at park benches, with my two little dogs.

Then the sad day came when we moved to another State.   But the day before we moved, his wife had died.    On our last day together, he shared his sorrow with me.  My tender encounters with this man had ended, and needless-to-say, I will never know why God moved me away.   God knew best. 

After we moved away, I continued to phone him often so he would not be alone in his grief.   I wanted him to know that I was walking with him, but just at a distance.

God in his grace and love, and through the dementia, he was able to forget his pain and remember his wife, the love of his life, with fond memories.    Not too long ago I phoned him and he did not remember me.   But that’s not important…..because I will forever remember him.

GOD LOVES US AND TAKES US JUST AS WE ARE….WHEREVER WE ARE.   May we never forget that.

It’s thrilling to me that God can take our ‘efforts in the ordinary’ and create them to be extraordinary….for His purposes.

At various times of the year, God has called my husband to an overseas assignment.  For me, I was called to a more ‘local operation,’ only three blocks from our downtown condo.   I love that God delights in the ‘simple details’ of our lives.  That’s where it’s not only ‘ordinary,’ but exciting as well.    I say that, because somehow our Father carries out His plans right ‘in those details.’  We never know “where or how” He will work and carry us to places to fulfill His plan in the “lives of others.” 

When God parked us downtown to live in a condo, we had only one car.   So if I wanted to go out shopping or for a walk, it was going to be on the #11 bus (my legs).

I’m painting you a picture here for a reason.   We were “new again” in a new town, where I knew no one.   I’m a people-person, and with no transportation, I’m thinking, God, You’re aware of all this.  Now how do I meet and make new friends when I have no car?

One morning I was desperate for some kind of interaction with people, so I decided to get out and go for a walk.  I didn’t want to venture too far, just a few blocks and back again until I learned the lay of the land.  In other places we’ve lived, my focus on meeting my neighbors was to bake cookies or cake and share whatever I made with them.  People always seem to open their door to food. 

Now, I’m hitting the streets looking for people to just say “hello to” and hope for future conversations and possible friendships.  I’m thinking that this is highly unlikely as who’s going to make friends with strangers on the street???  But that’s without taking “God into account.”

On my walk, I would see and make eye contact regularly with about nine people every morning and afternoon.  Some were street vendors, artists, fortune tellers, jewelry designers, a man who balances rocks (very clever), a guy who enjoys alcohol….a lot, and one woman with a bag open soliciting donations for food.

After my first few excursions, I wrongly assumed that there wasn’t anyone with whom I had anything in common.  Each morning as I walked our two little dogs, I would take the same route every time.  I’m seeing the same kaleidoscope of faces, and by week number three, I had their ‘locations memorized.’  They now know that I too am a ‘regular.’  Even the dogs got to recognize our regular acquaintances and when to stop.  By now we’re all comfortable with our hellos to each other.

About six weeks into this (still desperate for a friendship of some kind)…God gives me the idea of baking banana bread and sharing it through the week with these nine people.  Some of them were easy to share with.  Others I just kept at a smile’s distance away for a while, and for wise reasons.  On the street I learned, you ‘earn trust and rapport.’

One morning, as I was approaching this woman, who waves and says hello to everyone that walks past her, I received a ‘heart nudge’ from the Lord to share a piece of banana bread with her and ask her name.  I would always avoid looking at her when I walked by.  Oh how awful of me!   I would never have thought I was prejudiced, but the Lord pointed out graphically that my body posture told another story.

The following morning I took several pieces of banana bread that I had in our freezer, and placed them in a bag to distribute to others….but according to my agenda, this woman wasn’t to be one of the recipients.   I felt fearful.  She was friendly to others, so it wasn’t because she was fearsome to be around.  Quite honestly, it was because she was different and I hesitated to have eye contact.  I’m so ashamed to admit that, but it was the truth.

Don’t you just hate it sometimes when the Lord tells you the truth about your inner attitude, perspective and behavior!

I certainly wasn’t “on board with the Lord” about this.  But as my heart beat faster, I approached this woman and asked if “she would accept a piece of homemade banana bread” from me?  Her warm smile and instant yes put me at ease.  Then I asked what her name was.  When she told me, immediately something transpired within my heart!   I no longer felt hesitant in her presence, but was overcome with the endearing compassion for her.

This “first encounter of obedience with her” I will never forget.  On the way home, God seemed to quietly whisper to my heart, ”Thanks for sharing your banana bread with Me!!”

Within weeks, this woman whom I had ignored for some time, agreed to go to church with my husband and I every Sunday.   She told me where she lived (above a tavern in the downtown area), and we agreed on a time that we would come by and pick her up.  This went on for almost two years.   

She’s a little over 6 feet tall, and I’m just 5’ 2,” and when we first walked into the church, we had a coliseum of eyes upon us.   I can honestly say that my general features and appearance wouldn’t attract a crowd even on a good day.   But when my new friend and I walked through the patio toward the entrance of the church, we felt several pairs of eyes descend upon us.   My friend walks with a limp and so we were arm-in-arm as we approached the church entrance of the church.  

That first Sunday, I felt a little awkward.    I need to add that it was because of her extremely casual dress,  that I chose to dress  “down” a bit, as I wanted to be sensitive to how she may feel, because I knew she would notice that everyone else probably dressed a little nicer than she.  

I was disappointed that the man greeting at the door didn’t seem to be as friendly to us as he was to the other people coming through the doors.   He did however shake our hands, but that was about it.

I’m thrilled to say that after about four weeks of our attending this church, he began to smile at us and greet us both more warmly (if you know what I mean).   One Sunday soon after that, while my friend was seated in the sanctuary, I went back out to the door and shared with the gentleman how I met my new friend, and to tell him why she was coming.   This is important for you to know….as things began to change.

The following week the Lord prompted me to take my friend to a Walmart and flood the cart with some new clothes for her.   New shoes, tops and slacks, and a pair of earrings.   I knew she must have felt a little awkward by her dress, and I thought it was important that she be able to relax as she acclimated to her new surroundings……a church!

About this time I was introducing not only myself to all the strangers around where we’d sit each week, but I was happy also to introduce my new “city friend” to others as well.  Each week the people that we sat around began to greet and be especially friendly to my new found friend.

Slowly the greeters at the door began to smile at her too and even give her hugs.   I wonder if they ever realized that God was hugging this woman “through their arms.”  

As time went along, she felt so loved and accepted, just like it’s supposed to happen when believers are together.   Remember Jesus takes all of us, just as we are!

James 2:2-3    “Suppose a man or woman comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man or woman in shabby clothes also comes in.  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

The following week after our shopping spree, I picked her up for church.   A nice-looking and well-dressed young woman, but really tall, approached our car.   IT WAS HER!!!    She looked stunning.  I couldn’t believe the change.   She even carried herself smartly.  I think she grew an inch in height being so proud of her new and fresh appearance.

Then it happened, I felt as though I was going to be overcome with tears of emotion.   Instantly the Lord presented a “sermon of His heart” to me as she was approaching the car.   So now would be a good time for me to include for you, God’s little epistle to me that morning

He didn’t need to address me by name, I “knew” who He was talking to……me.   He unraveled the truth that this is what He did for me when I first gave my life to Christ.  He dressed me in new clothes….His righteousness.   And that this new inner nature that He gifted me with, would be more attractive than the exhibit of how I used to be; and now, this new nature would draw others to His presence within me.

What a difference Christ makes when we’re “dressed in Him” and “by Him.”   Our new wardrobe draws others to Him (or at least that’s how it’s supposed to be).    

I never wanted to openly display my emotions, but she was delighted that I noticed and expressed how pretty she looked.

Now, let me share the exciting part.   By this fifth week, the greeter at the door now began to give us both a hug.  Yes, I said hug.   That’s when a person puts both arms around you and makes you feel welcomed and loved.  (l Peter 2:17 in action!)

After about six weeks, the “steady glances” we received when we arrived at church stopped, and a few genuine smiles began to appear.  Why, one would have thought that we had been attending that church for years!  One woman who sat close by even brought new clothes for my friend as well.   And then at Christmas, she wrapped some money in a Christmas card for my friend too. 

I’m continuing to believe that LOVE IS MORE CAUGHT THAN TAUGHT.   Some people even came up to say hello to us from where they were sitting.

It was such a thrill to see God in action…..right there in church!!!!  My friend will never forget those experiences of God’s love toward her.

Then after church, before I’d take her home, we would go to McDonalds drive-through for a couple of dollar chicken sandwiches.   Gosh, that sounds good to me right now.

That next two years of walking the streets brought me to a point of having a “clearer vision” and a “warmer heart” for these nine new friends.  For you see, God wanted me to begin the learning process of seeing people with His eyes, and with His heart.   You know we can see things with our eyes….but we don’t always see with our heart.

I could share for hours, but I want to talk about a few others in this “street story.”

The most difficult relationship for me was the man who enjoyed his alcohol….on a much too regular basis.  He would sit slumped over or be asleep on the sidewalk.  For months, I’d not only look away, but I would walk as far away from him as possible.  

You can probably guess the next lesson the Lord had in mind for me to learn.  God was now extending my refreshment selection to include him as well.  It took about four months of giving “banana bread” on a daily basis to him, before he’d even say any more than a quiet “thanks.”  

Another few months passed, and I slipped him a letter along with his banana bread.  This was my story of how I came to realize I needed Christ.  The next day he told me that he kept my letter. 

Another few weeks passed and he announced, “Tomorrow is my birthday.”    What a breakthrough.  He finally felt “safe enough” with me to expose a window into his heart, a heart that was hurting and needed a loving touch.   

We had friends who came to visit us at our place at the time, and when we all went out walking one day, I shared with them about my new friend and that the following day he was having a birthday.   We all thought it was a good idea that we take a “birthday party to him.”

I asked our friends if they would like to come along for my daily walk, and gladly they were thrilled to be invited on the journey.   That morning we gathered some banana bread, and wrapped some new underwear and socks (from my husband’s drawer at home) and a nice card.   

Over to the park we travelled to surprise our friend.   If I remember correctly we approached him that morning all singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY.   He smiled from ear to ear.   We presented the gift, goodies and card and he was clearly delighted.   After some conversation and introduction to our visiting friends, we turned to walk away, when I noticed one of our friends slipping him another “gift.”   It was a “green folded gift.”   How loving was that….and oh so needed.

This “come-as-you-are-party” was his “last birthday on earth.”

Months later, due to illness, he was taken off the streets and placed in a safe home.  I’ve been told by another woman, who gives toiletries to the people in this area that she worked to get him into a group home setting for his care.  She kept in close contact with him and shared with me that he was changing and, that he had become a Christian.  

This guy had been rejected by his family and so many others all his life.   I couldn’t see my new friend any more, but phoned him through the week and sent hello cards to him.  He wasn’t rejected by God, but as a prodigal, was welcomed home.  God is “more than amazing.”

I remember my last conversation with him that took place by phone one evening, and the next day the Lord took him home to a brand new place…..a place in heaven prepared just for him.

Another opportunity I must share about is an episode with Ravi (the man who balances rocks).   It was Christmas Day and he was building his arrangement with rocks for the many onlookers.  Dozens of people were gathered around him.  I came over to smile and wave and to introduce him to my husband.  

When he saw me, he stopped his entertainment and came over to talk to me.  I knew from his countenance, something was terribly wrong.   He blurted out….”My Dad died this morning.”   Crowd or no crowd, this man needed a hug.   Right then and there I took hold of his hands and began to pray for him.   We both ignored his captivated audience and turned our hearts heavenward.  That day our friendship was sealed that day.

Later I brought over a plate of turkey and all the trimmings for his dinner as he was working all day and just had a sandwich in his bag.  It was Christmas Day!

God is showing me, through these people, these new friends, “new graces of outreach.”   I’m loving the lessons, and even though I’m a slow learner, at least I’m in the class.

When we first moved into this city, it was about seven weeks before Christmas and we knew no one.  I was lonely and feeling a little depressed and so I really wasn’t up to an “outreach to anyone.  But I knew God blesses our efforts…and I needed to just “make an effort for God to bless.”

I had made some shortbread (see I don’t always make banana bread like some of you are thinking), and I thought I’d share a little with one or two neighbors in our condo building.

It’s now Christmas Eve and we were heading home from a church service.  My husband dropped me off at the front door area and drove around and into the parking garage.  It took a little time to fiddle around with my keys and open the gate, before I could get into the front door.

By the time I was opening the door to go inside, I hear my husband announcing…..”We’ve got company!”  That’s impossible I thought as we don’t know anyone. 

To make a long story short this man and his 23 year old daughter (who had cerebral palsy) had just arrived with chocolates and a card with Scripture on it.  They were our first guests in our small condo for cheese, crackers and some sparkling grape juice. 

I shared with them that we’d love to have them stay for a snack, but it wouldn’t be fancy as we just arrived home from a church service.   We sat down and the first thing he said was, I’m a Russian Jew.  That comment stopped my heart.  These were two people that needed to be loved in a cracker-and-cheese-manner.  That encounter began a fruitful friendship.  Later I discovered they enjoyed eating banana bread as well.  

Every so often I would invite them for a lunch on our little patio.  Throughout the months, our friendship grew, and about a year later an opportunity opened up for me to give them a Bible.

Being aware of these two lovely people brought such a joy and many opportunities to share about God.

The Lord has introduced me to such a variety of people I would never had thought possible to connect with.  They’re both my “teachers” and my “treasures”.   These new relationships are teaching me about reaching out to those who are otherwise ignored.  Some are street vendors with clever abilities.   There are a few who are desperate financially and wait for others to demonstrate generosity…..just so they can have enough to eat. 

I won’t go into great detail, but I have sensed God placing a magnetic attraction in me to them; and I can’t begin to share how I’m learning fresh avenues of “grace, love and unconditional love” to these dear ones.     The Scriptures are so vivid and alive with the truth that “where our treasure is….our hearts will follow.”  (Matthew 6:21)

These relationships have become a real treasure to me, and I find such fulfillment in my daily excursions into their world, and into their hearts.   For many of them, it’s taken many months of a smile and a daily hello (followed by sharing banana bread with them) for many of them to accept and trust me.  

I’ve discovered that rich opportunities are often right in front of us.  I’m so grateful to the Lord for the surgery on my spiritual vision….as I began to see them as He does. 

My thrill is to be an expression of the love of Christ…by listening and being a friend.  Reaching out in this “city environment” has taken me a way out of my comfort zone, and into the harvest field of others….effecting, infecting and reflecting God’s love for them.  

I’m amazed at the rapport God is providing me, with them.  What a field of harvest God has opened to “honor all men.”  1 Peter 2:17.

The fields of our lives are ripe for harvest….but oh the need for us to get “into their arenas of living…in their field, in their turf…and where they live, and to look for practical ways to touch their lives, and let them know they’re special and loved by their Creator.”

“WE ARE ALL FACED WITH A SERIES OF GREAT OPPORTUNITIES BRILLIANTLY DISGUISED AS IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONS.”

Charles Swindoll