My neighbor invited me to ride along. She planned to visit 7 covered bridges in Union County, a fun adventure for the 4th. Before we set out, DiAnne and I prayed that God would direct our day, perhaps even Surprise us with a divine appointment. The secluded back roads, the grain Fields, and the gentle hills soothed our Urban souls. "I'm getting my country fix," I told my Chauffeur. I felt homesick. As we passed one homestead, we Noticed 3 horses grazing in a field, a Large one and 2 minis. I also noticed a sign posted in front of The house, but we passed too quickly to Read it. DiAnne turned around. We greeted the owners who were Working outside. They introduced us to their chickens and Goats and the huge pyrenees dogs that Protect them. We learned that Terri and Roger love Jesus and believe in divine appointments Like we do. They were delighted that God had sent us Their way. Terri gifted us with newly gathered eggs and Directed us to the next covered bridge. Eventually, we located all seven. At each one we spent a few minutes, attuning Our ears to the bird sounds and gentle Rippling of the water, simply absorbing the Serenity of the lovely spots. On our way home we stopped at an old Fashioned burger joint for a late lunch. But instead of a burger, I got a salad. And for my breakfast I'll enjoy farm fresh Eggs. |
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It was such a beautiful evening, I
Decided to do some reading at The park. Sitting in my lawn chair I spied the Couple a distance away. They were juggling. The fellow was throwing bowling Pins into the air while the gal was Tossing (and catching) orange balls. "Go over and get acquainted," my Inner voice prompted. Was it the Lord or just me? With my heart pounding I Walked over and complimented the Two young people on their skills. I noted their piercings and tattoos and Unusual hair designs. "You're unique," I told them. We laughed. "Call me crazy," I said, "but every Morning before I get up, I pray for a Divine appointment. I believe you're It for today." "You're not crazy," they responded. And we engaged in a meaningful Spiritual conversation. I gave each of them a bracelet and Wrote down their names so I Could add them to my prayer list. My assignment completed, I walked Back to my lawn chair and continued to Read while the couple continued to Juggle, doing it well. I told the dentist before he began,
"I prayed for you and for me, so we are Both covered." And, indeed, as he clipped a flap of Skin from the roof of my mouth and Stitched it to my gum, I felt no pain. (I realize the discomfort is inevitable After the numbness wears off.) I discovered the doctor and I have a Mutual dentist friend. "He's a great guy, a mentor, and an Encourager," he said. I agreed. "He's a bold Christian and so am I," I Said with as big a smile as I could Muster in the dental chair. I got to know the doctor a bit by Asking him questions. His life has been fascinating. And since his mother had died, I gave Him one of my grief booklets. Our encounter made me glad I had The appointment today. And now I'm waiting to take my Next pain pills. When I saw the man playing his
Violin, my first reaction was to Duck inside the store hoping he Wouldn't notice me. Which, in fact, is what I did. But while I was shopping, my Conscience bothered me. I remembered my pastor's Message last Sunday. He described Peter's encounter with The lame man lying outside the Temple. Peter didn't look away, but Affirmed the dignity of the beggar by Peering directly into his eyes. He showed him compassion and by God's power healed the man. On my way out of the store I walked up To the musician, locked my eyes with His and complimented him on his Lovely music. As I dropped a bill into his money box, I Handed him a tract. It was such a small gesture, but the man Was grateful, and as I walked away he Continued to play. When my garage door refused to
Budge, a technician came out to Install a new opener. When I was writing out his check, I Probed a bit before I began to Share Jesus with him. I didn't expect his response. "This is great!" he said. "I'm a believer too." And he asked if he could pray for Me. Wow! He placed his hand on my shoulder and Prayed a beautiful prayer of Encouragement. We rejoiced in our common bond. Indeed, we were both lifted up. (Just like my repaired garage door.) In my Bible study group this morning I
Reviewed the book GOD SPACE. The author gives so many good Pointers on how to begin Spiritual conversations: Noticing, Listening, Serving, Asking questions. When I got home I realized that in My effort to cover so much Material I forgot to emphasize the Most important thing, prayer. Before I get out of bed in the Morning I always pray for a divine Appointment if that is on God's Agenda for me that day. If He does bring someone along my Path, I am thrilled. And if He doesn't, I don't blame myself or Feel guilty. It is His job to set up appointments, Not mine. "Did you have a nice Easter?"
I expected the young man to say, "Yes." (The fellow is a cashier at the Wendy's drive thru and we've Become acquainted.) But his response was, "No." "Oh, why not?" I asked. "Two days before Easter my Best friend died." "Oh no! What happened?" "We don't know why he died." "I'm so, so sorry," I replied. He told me his friend's name. "I'll pray for his family," I said, and The tract I handed him seemed to Be appropriate: "Life Isn't Fair." The young cashier was carrying on As usual, taking orders over the Intercom and collecting money. I wouldn't have known. I wouldn't have known that his Heart was broken if I hadn't asked a Simple question. I had stopped at the rest stop along
The freeway when I noticed the Man in the lobby. He was doing his job, stuffing Sightseeing brochures in the Swivel display racks. I felt compelled to approach him. "I like to write things," I said. "Can I share this with you?" He was perturbed. "This is Jesus' stuff, isn't it? I"m an atheist and a Buddhist. I don't want it." "I won't pressure you to take it," I said. "But I like to hear other People's viewpoints." He kept circling the rack, avoiding Me, refusing to make eye contact. I respected his wishes and backed off. "I appreciate your honesty," I said as I walked away. He replied, "I'm good." A divine appointment may sometimes Mean being rebuffed. I shouldn't be surprised. Jesus was. In the store I noticed the man's
Colorful tattoos. And in the parking lot as he was Putting his groceries in the Trunk, I stopped to ask him about The bold designs. "I'm a 'dead head,'" he said. And he educated me about the Musical group, "The Grateful Dead." Each tattoo was related to the Group. I was fascinated. My knowledge of rock groups is Zilch. (But I did tell him I'm "into" worship Music.) Since the man was also a musician, He showed me a picture of his "Babies," his stringed instruments. He and his son-in-law also create Cigar box guitars. "They have a great sound if you find Just the right sweet spot." The man talked on and on, but I Needed to get my groceries home. Since the friendly decorated fellow gave Me his business card, I reciprocated by Giving him a bracelet. When I explained the colored beads, he Was pleased. The music man and I enjoyed our Discussion of topics close to our Hearts. And when it comes to piquing his Interest in spiritual matters, our Encounter was a good start. "Will you come along?" I asked my
Friend. "I want to surprise Janie." * It was her 83rd birthday, and Because of her poor vision, she is Mostly confined to home. "Yes, I will!" As Deanna and I climbed the stairs to Her apartment we sang "Happy Birthday." And in our hands we carried cake, Flowers, a hot cup of coffee and cards. Janie was taken aback. And when I read the cards to her, Tears moistened her wrinkled cheeks. We told her she looked lovely in her Pretty blouse. "I dressed up a bit just in case I Had company. And then you came." Deanna and I left with a sense of Gratitude and relief. If we hadn't taken the time to stop by, Our dolled up friend would still be Sitting there. waiting. *Not her real name. |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
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