1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are co-workers in God’s service…”
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
On our last morning during a recent trip to Canada I lost an earring and frantically searched the hotel room to no avail causing us to miss the 11:35 airport shuttle. We settled for one at 12:00 noon and found our way to the ticket agent. I did something I don’t normally do. While the agent was processing our check-in and tagging our bags I started a conversation that went something like this –
“How are you today?”
The ticket agent replied, “Not too well.”
Taken aback at her honesty I heard myself say, “Life is uncertain and we’re not in control.” Why would I say that I wondered.
The woman nodded and said, “It’s not work. That’s going well, but it’s interesting you said control. The woman that normally works this location, her son died yesterday. You heard about the train hitting the pedestrian?”
I shook my head.
“That was her son.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“He was just 20 and a first year University student.”
Is this an opportunity to touch a hurting soul for Jesus? I decided to leap in faith and added, “I like to say life is uncertain, but God is in control and we’re not.”
She looked up at me and smiled and said, “Yes, He is.”
“I lost my father when I was 11 and it is so hard no matter the circumstances.”
With a look of sorrow, she replied, “It will be hard for her … and to see her.”
“But you can be her friend.” She smiled warmly and nodded in agreement.
That was it. She then instructed us where to take our bags for customs.
In the New Year I want to have more conversations like this one. I want God to use me not only for and with the expected people, places and times, but also, and especially, for the unexpected ones. What do you want for 2014?
That earring? A small price to pay for God’s perfect timing.
Finding God in All the Unexpected Places, PJ
COPYRIGHT ©2013 PJ Gover