I only had half an hour this morning to spend some quiet time with the Father at McDonald’s. Because I had a late start and because I had offered to help out shortly in preparation for a funeral reception, I told the Father that at least we had half an hour to “talk”.
As I waited in line to put in my order and as waited for it, I noticed a lady who appeared quite happy and who swayed her arms in a dancing motion. The second time I noticed her, I commented that it was so nice to see her so happy. I don’t remember her initial response, but she then asked how she knew me. I told her she didn’t, but I still was glad to see her so happy.
For this time alone, I sat close to the counter so I could keep my eye on the clock. I noticed that the lady and her companion had already seated themselves 2 tables away. I then entered into my world with the Father as I read, reflected and prayed through Lallith Perera’s book on the 4 Steps Retreat.
Each time I paused to pray, I noticed, from the corner of my eye, that the lady was looking my way. I wasn’t quite sure what part of me would “appeal” to her (ha ha), but eventually she asked if I was part of the production of the book I was reading. She must have thought the crowd depicted on the cover of the book was part of a musical or dramatic production. I told her I was reading a book on a retreat I had attended last summer and she asked if it was religious. To my surprise, she asked me to tell her more when I told her it was a Christian book. She immediately told me that she was looking for ways to connect with God!
I quickly glanced at the clock (I had 15 minutes left) and I told her I would finish the muffin that was in my mouth because I didn’t want to spit as I talked. She immediately replied that she was spat at before… sigh…
I chewed in silence and I knew the Father was preparing her spirit and mine to connect through His Spirit. We (He and I) both knew I couldn’t get through this without His grace.
With one additional sip of coffee, I asked how her journey was? It was bleak. She had been abused since childhood and she wanted to find freedom. She mentioned that she had started going to church, but she was unable to connect in the way she was hungering for. I sensed she needed extensive healing prayer and I asked if she was willing to have my friend, Pastor Wayne, and the New Life Christian Centre congregation pray over her. Sharing my experience and that of a friend and of the extensive loving prayer intercessions we each received over several days that continued on for several weeks, I knew this one would receive and sense the love she so desperately needed there.
I believe that was when I gave her the book I was reading. She was thrilled and I pointed her to the area I had just finished high-lighting… “Come as you are, I love you.”
With the Father’s grace and mercy, I prayed with her for a while and I told her that He loved her just the way she was. I reminded her that she was no longer a victim, but she was a victor in the living Christ who she believed in.
As I write and reflect, I now begin to see the bigger picture. The time at McDonald’s wasn’t the Father’s and mine alone to share. He had bigger plans. We had our first 15 minutes together and in that time, He was preparing and reminding me that I could not do His work with Him on the outside, but I needed Him to work in me and through me.
The next 15 minutes was ours to share with the lady. His invitation had already been extended when He first “introduced” us in our first encounter. I would like to think that she caught a glimpse of Him in me and so she asked…“How do I know you?”… and I caught a glimpse of Him in her.
1 Peter 3:15 encourages us… “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” Will you be ready when He calls?
God bless,
Melissa – April 25, 2011