Recently I had a unique day. A day I will not soon forget. It was Donna's day off work and we enjoy "hangin' together" and doing some things that get us out of the house.
A new Farm store had opened in our town so we decided to go "window shopping." One of the associates of the store spoke to us and we started talking about one of the items on display. The lady mentioned something about church. Now, when someone says something about church, that gets my attention and I will follow through on that topic.
We had a wonderful conversation and learned this couple was looking for a place to worship. I shared with her about our TNT--Thursday Nights Together. This is a gathering where we have music, informal moments and I offer a teaching. Currently I am doing a series called: Extreme Makeover:Practical Life Edition. When we finished our conversation the lady said "thanks for taking time with me." She needed to share and someone needed to listen.
We then stopped by a Mexican fast food place and had some lunch. A couple of the employees was doing some cleanup in the dining room and we all started talking---just chit chat at first then, the woman mentioned she had started taking some online classes and I asked her which school. The conversation turned toward coping with stress and we found out she had been in New York City on 9/11/01 and was assigned to Ladder 11 of the FDNY. Her Lieutenant told her to remain outside and he entered one of the towers and she never saw him again.
Another person who had a story to tell and someone needed to listen.
That afternoon we drove to a nearby community where we had lived a few years back. I had served a small church in the town and also served as a deputy marshal on the police department. I had been summoned to the town to check in on my former partner on the police department. The doctors had given him very little time to live as he had developed a brain tumor.
We shared old memories, funny stories and some serious conversation about spiritual matters. My dear friend and former police partner had a story to tell and someone needed to listen.
As I prepared to leave I offered prayer. I keep a small vial of olive oil in my pocket for such times as this. I anointed his head and had a time of prayer with my friend. We had backed each other on many calls over the years but this is one time I realized this may be the last time I will ever "back-up" my friend in this life. It also occured to me that this is the best of all back-ups--prayer! After all I had been dispatched by the Holy Spirit to my friend for ministry.
We never know when we meet someone whether we will ever see them again. For me, it is important to have "ears open" and listen to what is being said and sometimes to what is not being said. Make time for others. It will enrich your life.
Be blessed!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I recently had a similar unique day as well this past Monday. I had an old friend that I haven't seen in years stopped by the office to chat.
ReplyDeleteLater in the day one of our members stopped in the office to chat.
I give God all the praise that He gave us two ears to listen with at twice the capacity to speak with one mouth.
Well said, Dr. Layne. Sometimes it amazes me how much we miss, when we try to run through life like we're doing 80 on the interstate. When we actually pay attention to the people around us, we find a great deal of opportunity to serve. Peace be with you--
ReplyDelete