File under: Sometimes you never know
I had an interesting thing happen to me this week. I hope you don’t mind if I share it. Linda (her real name) is a vital part of the church I pastor and also is Director of Nursing at a local Health Campus (nursing home/rehab facility). She has done a marvelous job of raising her 4 children (and sometimes half the neighborhood) as a single mom the past two years after their father died. Linda texted me Monday asking me a favor. The health campus is in the process of sprucing up everything. That includes new wallpaper. With the walls bare, Linda asked if I knew of any Scriptures she could write on the walls that were appropriate for the facility before it was covered with the wallpaper. I asked for a little bit of time and then gave her Matthew 25:35-40 and Galatians 6:2. She thought they were good ones and was planning on using them.
BUT THE REALLY COOL PART OF THIS STORY WAS HER PHONE CALL LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON
She found another verse to add to them: Galatians 6: 9: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Little did she know the scene she would FIND outside her office moments later. She returned to see the painter taking a picture of it. I would love to report her conversation with him, but I don’t know it word-for-word so that would be wrong. However, he told her that he was t-h-i-s close to folding up shop and going home. He was frustrated and tired, but then he saw her Scripture. He was taking a picture because it impacted him so much to stay at the job and not quit. Linda called to tell me that.
I call that a “you-never-know-when-you-will-write-or-say-something-that-may-change-or-impact-someone’s-life” moment. That may never happen to Linda again. You may never have that sort of thing happen in your lifetime to you…EVER!
BUT. YOU. NEVER. KNOW!!!
But it is that possibility which keeps me hoping. Planting seeds. Doing good. What are your thoughts? Have you ever had an experience like this happen to you?
Yeah, this was a great story. It brought a warmth to my heart to close out this day.
Glad it closed out your day well Daniel.
I actually believe this kind of thing happens a lot more than we realize. We just aren’t often aware of the impact that a good deed or a good word has on the people we interact with. But it happens. Unfortunately a bad word or bad deed has the same effect in a bad way. It can affect someone in a negative way and we never realize it. Beware gossipers.
I have had many instances where people have thanked me for listening and advising.
I think the Kharma believers define it very well.
you are right jeff. We do not always know the impact we have, especially good words or deeds, upon someone else. I have been the victim of negative words and unfortunately, have also used them.
I love when my Abba does this. I’ve had that experience. Always, I have no idea in the doing, but my Abba frequently shows me the result.
And, I agree with Jeff – I’ve also had the experience of saying that negative word that discourages. My fantastic mother-in-law is extraordinary. I told my husband once that I’ve never heard her say a bad word about anyone even though I know she has been through many life bump in the road experiences. He told me that her philosophy that she got from her mother was, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.”
I love stories like this also Susan.
Wow, nice. And what’s even more incredible, that was the verse of the day I’ve got today from Air1 Radio…
Interesting how God works.
You get Air1? That is cool. We do also. ‘Course I reckon it is satellite. 🙂 I love that you also got that verse.
Online 😉 Internet connecting the worlds 😀
What a cool story. And what gets me thinking is that there may be many more lives you impact like that and never know about.
So true Loren. people are watching us all the time.
That’s awesome!
God knows just what we need and often uses His children to bless those around!
Thank God for her faithfulness to respond to His promptings!
What an amazing story, thank you for sharing!
I was really pleased Linda listened to God’s prompting.
I’ve had several, but my wife has had more than I can recount. You and I both see eye to eye on this; There are no coincidences in God’s world.
I love stories like this. Thanks for sharing Bill and Linda.
Glad you see that there are no coincidences Floyd. I certainly don’t think so. 🙂
Yep, definately awesome when God breaks through to us like that. Especially when we’ve tired and exhausted. I call that a “Spring of Living Water.” : )
Good way to put it Ed. Always excited to see God work.
Hi Bill,
I’m thinking of a women’s retreat years ago where I was involved in the worship leading. It seemed that things were going all wrong. The only instument we had was a keyboard. The worship team was unable to sing due to a serious accident that had happened on the way to the retreat.
A couple of other women from the church volunteered to be the worship team right on the spot at the retreat. We were not professional except for the keyboardist.
God moved that weekend, I believe. Many ladies were encouraged in their relationship with God. Everyone there thought the retreat had been a great experience.
Funny thing was that wasn’t what happened to me. I was discouraged after that weekend. I was the main worship leader that weekend. I’m not a worship leader by the way, I don’t lead musicians well. I ended up leaving the church shortly after that weekend retreat. My husband and I made a move out of that area to Central Alberta in 1999 for better job security for him.
Sometimes what works for some does not work for others. Sorry to hear it was not a good experience for you.
I just think God loves (delights) in showing up in ways we couldn’t dream up. Awesome story, thanks for sharing Bill!