A Friends Story...

Every day we are aware that God walks with us and has a plan for our lives; whether it is a major life changing decision or simply giving us a sign that can answer days or years of wondering why something was or was not. In our busy lives and multitasking of priorities, we often do not ponder the significance of small events or the impact even the simplest of actions that might be exactly what someone else needs to help them out of a problem or bad situation. God relies on us all to be his helpers and we never know when God is going to put us in the path of someone needing even the simplest of things.

I was recently reminded of this during a trip to a city located about an hour away from home for a couple of High School Soccer games. After watching the two games and driving to a nearby restaurant for a family dinner we decided to take in a little shopping at a store close to the restaurant. As we were preparing to checkout, I decided to wait outside for some fresh air and enjoy the last moments of daylight. My daughters decided to join me and as we exited the store, I saw a young man approach riding a bicycle with a rather large box on his handlebars. He was motioning with a hand gesture for me to come over to him. His hair windblown from riding and torn jeans somewhat startled the girls and they ran back inside the store. After this long and tiring day, my first though was "now what" but something "told" me to go over to him. As I was approaching he stopped his bike and started to fumble in his pocket for his cellphone and started typing on the keyboard. After finishing, he turned the phone so I could read... His message was simple and clear "I'm deaf and I'm lost. I need to get back to RIT, Can you help?" He suddenly had my full and undivided attention, except there was one problem: I don't know my way around this city. As I thought about it, it occurred to me that my fairly new smart-phone contained all the answers to help him. I was able to pull up a map, show him where we were standing, where he needed to go, and how to get there. Fortunately because of the phone and his ability to lip read, I was able to direct this young man to where he need to get.

As he drove off and I walked to my van, my thoughts were with this young man. How many people did he ask who were too busy to help him? What would have happened to him if I didn't help? Why didn't others help him? God obviously put he and I on a path to meet at that very instant of time and the REASON was for me to assist this young man. We all receive God's calling to help many times, do we listen? Do we even realize or see that we are asked to assist someone else? Even the smallest event happens for a reason.....