A
few years back we sold a home to a guy by the name of Bernie who loved to
entertain people with big parties.
That’s why he needed a bigger home.
After Bernie settled into his new home, he celebrated with a big
backyard bash and we were invited. I
didn’t want to go, but our sales manager, who is also my husband, said: “We’re going.”
When
we arrived, Bernie gave us a big hug and whooshed Dice into the den where he
pointed to his computer that had big problems.
I suppose I could have hunkered down there bored out of my mind while my
husband played tech genius, but I strolled toward the backyard to mingle with
about 30 people I’ve never seen before in my life and it was pretty scary. I passed clusters of women huddled together puffing
on cigarettes, a whole bunch of folks accumulating at the makeshift bar, and a
circle of cowboys tuning their guitars and drinking beer. Umm, who among these party folks should I strike
up a conversation with? The answer was
no one.
I
went into the big white tent where all the food was displayed and filled my
plate with roasted corn on the cob, grilled sausage, beans from the crock pot, cornbread,
and a relish salad. It felt lonely to
eat by myself until a friendly voice asked me if I would like some dessert. Ross offered me a choice of about six
varieties from a tray of goodies he waved in front of me. He sat down to join
me after bringing me a cup of coffee with cream just the way I like it. He talked endlessly about himself while I
finished eating. I silently prayed that
my husband would find me and rescue me from this man’s interest. No such luck. It felt like hours passed and Ross was still
chatting away. Ross knew I was the agent
who sold Bernie his home and I repeatedly mentioned I was here with my husband
who was ….somewhere. I couldn’t take
it anymore so I decided to evangelize Ross.
Maybe if Ross knew how much I loved Jesus and enjoyed things like going
to church and worshipping God, he would think I was spooky and leave me alone.
My
plan backfired. Ross loved hearing about
Jesus. He told me he had just lost his
mom. She adored Jesus and comforted him
when he almost died in a motorcycle accident.
I found myself listening to Ross’ words but now with less judgment. “I may
not attend church like my mother use to, but one thing I never do is crawl into
bed at night until I get on my knees and ask God to forgive me if I hurt anyone
that day,” he exclaimed.
Dice
and I talked a lot on the drive home that night, and I thanked him for dragging me to the
party. Then I said: “What
do you think about praying together before we go to bed at night similarly to
the way we do when we begin our day?”
This is the kind of thing that happens when you bring Jesus to the
party.
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oh it is so true... I have felt like that too, and sometimes the least likely person is the very one we end up sharing with, and it was exactly the way God had it planned. This was just such a beautiful post Mary. It kind of makes me say... 'there goes God again... working things out in ways we couldn't imagine! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful! When I go somewhere new, I feel like God always reminds me, I am with you. His presence is so powerful. This encouraged me today!
ReplyDeleteI added your blog to the list of Tea Ladies under my Tea on Tuesday's page, along with the other Tea Ladies who join us to share their faith on Tuesdays. I hope to see you again next week in the Tea Room!
Thank you for sharing your awesome story At
ReplyDeletehttp://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
I loved how you brought Jesus to the bash and it all turned out well.
Love this, I think it was a divine appt. I imagine you've impacted his life far more than you can imagine and that God will use the time spent chatting to touch his heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing-a good reminder that we are not alone and we should be open to sharing His love.
Hugs, Noreen
What a happy ending of the story. We can really not judge a book by it's cover. Thanks for sharing:) visiting from Tell Me a Story:
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, uplifting post!
ReplyDeleteEncouraging post.
ReplyDeleteI loved this, Mary! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteGreat story. There are many times when I have gone out of my comfort zone & experienced something wonderful. I am pretty shy, so I love meeting people that will keep the conversation going without much effort from me...I especially love it when the person has something meaningful to share! Magic happens when we least expect it :)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking God was watching you the whole time and smiling, thinking..."Ohh Mary, you can try all you want to run away from this man but can't do that!"
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you thought about bringing up about the Lord to him. Sometimes, I feel like a failure at work when I come across those inmates who I know need our Savior and couldn't bring up about the Good News. But if I wait for the "perfect time, perfect place" (when there's no such thing) I think that's how I let go of that opportunity to share our good Lord.
And that remains to be my struggle...at work...
Thank you for always keeping me in your prayers. I also pray for you and your family. To begin our day with the Lord and to end our day with the Lord is a great thing to do. What can go wrong if we start our day right and us driving "worries" outside our hearts' doors before catching some zzzz's??? Oh, to God be the glory.
Take care sister! Thank you for always encouraging me!
I love this Mary! Isn't amazing how He interrupts our plans and does something like this! Awesome, isn't He!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
HE IS FAITHFUL!
Hugs!
Jackie
Mary, what a beautiful post this is. I am so glad you decided to "evangelize" Ross just at the point that you were about to give up. No wonder he was chattering, he was in so much pain. And I am almost sure that your being there at that precise moment was ordained by God.
ReplyDeleteAnd, not only that, how you and Dice decided to pray before going to sleep was inspired by Ross.
This post has touched my heart today, Mary! I thank God I dropped by your place to read it.
A delightful post dear one. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Often the most powerful segments of our lives are in those itty-bitty seconds between annoyance & awe. God sure showed up, didn't He? Then again, He always did love a good party.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful story. I am going to share it with Mister when he gets home.
What a wonderful story! I've had similar experiences in the past and it simply confirms that what God has planned for us is always the best one for us. Thank you for sharing. Found you through the blog hop :)
ReplyDeleteHi Mary -
ReplyDeleteYou sold me on this piece from the get go. I enjoyed the engagement. And loved the ending.
I term this an ace sale.
Thank you, precious lady of GOD.