Not that it happens often with me, but here is one worth sharing and commenting on.   I went to Biggby’s Coffee in the new Publix at Cherrywood center. A gentleman with a ponytail told me he wasn’t in Iine. So I placed my order and stood next to him as we waited. I told him that three men in my church also sported his hairstyle. I added that he reminded me very much of my best friend from childhood. With eyes downcast, he said he hoped that his character was worthy of them. I also noticed on the other side of him was another man who had a deformed (half of a) left arm, also waiting. When his coffee order came up, the two of them left together. Clearly “ponytail” was caring for “arm”. I thought to myself that he most assuredly had a worthy character.

You never know what encounters will come to you. Are they mere coincidence or are they orchestrated from heaven? Divine angelic intervention? I do believe they are opportunities to witness and receive witness, or messages we can take on board. When I reflect on too many missed opportunities, or not pushing an encounter further, my heart breaks a little. In one of many paradoxes of faith, it is not up to us. But it is. God empowers and equips us to bear witness. But if we don’t, maybe it wasn’t our place or time. Maybe we just plant a seed for the Holy Spirit to work in whoever else that person might encounter or have in their life. We don’t do this alone; that’s my takeaway, not an excuse.

May your daily encounters reveal glimpses of the kingdom of God, who loves unconditionally.

Pastor Art