A Heartfelt Encounter in the Park

The weekend was great and beautiful with warm and gentle weather. As we drove home from church, I asked my family if we could spend a few minutes in the small park on our way. One of our traditions is to discuss the message preached during the service, check what stood out to us, and see how the message could impact our lives. We do this after the service, at home, in the park, knowing that the challenges of the week have the capacity to swallow up the message before it ever takes root.

So we stopped in the park and discussed as we walked around. We also took some pictures and started heading back home. As our son drove away, I realized that we didn’t make any eye contact or say hello to whoever was in the van we parked beside. We parked, went for a walk, and came back, and someone was still quietly sitting in the van. Somehow, a burden for the person grew in my heart. I began to feel that something was not right.

As we got home, I knew I must go back. I got a bag, loaded it with some non-perishable foods and snacks, and jumped into the car. As I was driving back, I was begging God to keep the van in that park until I got there, except if it was not His will. So, I was happy to see the van still in the same location. I approached the van, and I saw a man in it, not in his best condition. I struck up a conversation with him, and I shared with him exactly how I felt and why I had to come to say hello to him. Within a short time, I could see through him and his struggle

I told him how I go for long walks whenever I am having a not-so-good day, talked about the hostilities and challenges in our world today, and how God is our only fortress. I told him how God must have loved him so much that He would put a burden in someone’s heart to minister to him and bless him with some items. The man was so surprised, and there is no way I could explain his expressions. In the gift bag given to him were also Our Daily Bread devotional booklet and a tract. Jesus said men shall not live by bread alone but by His words.

This is not to present how kind I was but because I know someone out there will do much more than this for another person or people. Everyone out there is fighting his own battle that we have no clue about. We can choose to face our challenges and let the world around us disappear in obscurity or create room in our hearts to share love and kindness with others. We can choose the path of “I don’t care” while the world around us crumbles. Yes, there are a thousand and one reasons why we must insist on our rights and entitlements while the generations around us consistently sink into chaos. Whatever path we choose comes with its rewards.

For the children of God, the Bible says we “are the salt of the world… we are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill can not be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” – Matthew 5:13-15.

While driving back home, I felt so happy that I could put a smile on someone’s face. Kindness is rewarding. Sometimes, helping others is helping ourselves, too. Love and hospitality come back with dividends either here on earth or in eternity. Let’s be an ambassador of faith, love, and kindness and make our vessels ready for God’s maneuvering.

And for each one of us, God knows our struggle and is working on it. He still cares, ❤️

Challenge:
Find someone to show love to this week, even if it is just a sincere smile with the “God loves you” phrase. We can’t imagine how much it may mean to someone.