Encouraging Encounters
Divine encounters. Chance meetings. Sometimes a “someone” crosses your path just once. But the encounter was so encouraging, so memorable, you smile whenever you recall it.
It happened to me when my flight from Colorado landed in Chicago to make a connection. Stepping off my plane, I was surprised to see another passenger, a young man, waiting for me.
“Lady,” he said. “We have a mutual friend.”
“Well, who is it? I asked puzzled. “You look military.”
“Yes, I am, but my friend is not. He is the Jewish Carpenter from Nazareth.”
“How do you know I know Him?”
“I watched you read your Bible on the plane.”
“Well, I am on my way to speak about Him on a television show –an interview about my newest book on prayer– if my plane hasn’t left yet,” I answered.
He asked where I was headed. When I told him which city in Virginia, he checked the overhead monitor, and grabbed my carry-on bag. He yelled, “Follow me, I will get you there.”
We made a mad dash on escalators, up and down long corridors. I ran almost every step to keep up with him. Just as we arrived at my gate, the airline attendant announced last call. The soldier handed me my baggage and we waved goodbye. The door closed as soon as I walked on.
Oh, but I forgot to tell my military escort about the sign in my writing office: My Boss Is a Jewish Carpenter.
Whenever I see that sign—still in my office after many years and moves —I think of the young man and our divine encounter that autumn morning. He was at the right place, at the right time with a serving heart. My airport angel. And someday we’ll meet in heaven with our very famous Mutual Friend. Our Savior Jesus Christ.
Right now you may want to think about an encouraging coincidental meeting you have had, a God-inspired encounter. Perhaps even with a stranger. Make you want to laugh aloud? Or thank God once again for the memorable experience? Oh, yes!
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for encouragers in our life– sometimes even through surprising connections. Help me to be more sensitive to ways You can use me to bless others unexpectedly. Amen.
Scripture: “Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NASB).
Excerpted from Cast Your Shadow: Influence on Purpose, Available on Amazon
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