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Close Encounters of the Spiritual Kind


 

 "Put yourself in the path that God will work."

(Pastor Martin Smith, 1/2024) 

On a crisp, clear Saturday morning, I started up the hill with Gypsy Rose eagerly leading the way.  I was more caught up in the fresh air feeling that was invigorating, than paying attention to the few cars that passed us by.  But there up ahead, a small red truck had slowed to the curb to flag me down.  "Could I help him find his son's house?" He was an older gentleman with his phone in hand.  He couldn't reach his son because the calls only went to voicemail, and he didn't have his address, only that it was somewhere here in Rancho.  I googled his son for him, but unfortunately, it only brought up an older address which was the current address now for this man.  There was no updated address for Rancho Cucamonga.  I told him the bad news, but he was so very gracious.  He did everything to show me that he was for real, pulling out  his driver license to confirm who he was, gave me his son's info,  shared with me how he came to CA back in 1979, and had been an engineer for many years for the 76 union gas refinery before retiring.  He extended his hand to me, even after I told him that I couldn't help him out.  As we shook hands, and parted I told him, "God bless you," and his gratefulness exhibited itself with tears in his eyes. 

Tears whelmed up in me as well, as I continued in my walk.  I don't know what it is Lord, out of all the possibilities on this morning walk, I am the one flagged down.  I recalled the time earlier that month, when Gypsy and I were leaving the park, that a Jewish man stopped to chat with us.  He was attracted to Gypsy, since he too, had previously had a Shepherd he loved very much.  He told me how his dog's love and companionship , assisted him in recovering from the loss of his dear wife.  He went on to say, how everyday he was keeping up closely with the news, as his mother was in Israel, and still facing daily threats and hardship due to the current war with Hamas. I sensed his anxiety and helplessness, and as we went our way, I told him I would pray for God's mercy and peace for him and his mother.  

Perhaps, it is Gypsy who invites strangers to chat with us.  I realized that I don't have to go out of my way to be an ambassador for Christ.  I recalled my interaction with Maggie's Dad.  Yes, Maggie and Gypsy loved to run and play with one another, but it is interesting that even in short encounters, I heard about the struggle of a single Dad and his daughter.  And whatever caused me to pray for him, when for several weeks he was missing on his morning route; and then, only afterwards hearing how he had survived a heart attack, I realized these encounters are not without purpose and plan.  They are close encounters of the spiritual kind. . .

Pastor Martin's words came to me again.  Putting myself in God's path, the Jesus walk, will give me opportunities to demonstrate His love and care.  I just need to be aware and know that these random encounters are not insignificant.  I may never see some of these individuals again, but for some reason, unknown to me, they are on my way.

God, help me to keep my eyes open on Your path . . .   


 

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