I have learned to expect gifts
from God in the form of people.
People who I meet for a few seconds,
a few hours or even for a lifetime.
My wife and I took a short train ride
on an old historic train. It was part
of her birthday plans. The one hour
included lunch and for me high
expectations.
I expected to meet someone new who
would be seated at our table. They
wouldn't know it but God was sending
them to me. He always sends me many
gifts and at least one person.
This would be my gift for today.
Sure enough, we weren't seated two
minutes, when I heard, "Would you mind
if I joined you?"
I replied, " I was expecting you!"
He was in his early sixties and
handicapped from a stroke.
He politely introduced himself and for
the next 45 minutes...never stopped
talking and loudly.
If there was a pause in the conversation
it was because a guide with the train
offered a little background on the history
of the train.
Otherwise, this gentleman spoke to us about
himself.
Some things he had to say were very
interesting but most was a rant about his
experience as a lawyer, types of law and
his knowledge of maps.
He never asked either one of us what we did.
So, if I do believe God sent him,
what was the message here?
He needed to talk and I needed to be reminded
how important it was to listen to people if
only for a few seconds, a few hours, or
for a lifetime.
He apparently never learned that lesson.
I did worry about him the rest of the day.
I worried that most people would not
give him the opportunity.
A few people on the train made derogatory
comments to me because they felt sorry
that we had to listen to him.
Perhaps I was sent to him. Maybe he was
praying to God to meet someone who would
listen. It does work both ways.
It is a fact, God gave us two ears and one
mouth, because we need to listen twice
as much as we speak.
Thanks for listening!
"I believe in You!"
J
~ Bob Perks ~
