Out at one of my favorite coffee spots, a guy walks in and sits his leather portfolio on the table next to me, as he looked around. Noticing that the portfolio was beat-up, tattered looking, a small voice said “Say something to him.” For the record, I’m not the most outreaching personality and had decided he didn’t want to speak to me, since he had not looked my way.
In any case, I commented on his folder and the conversations was on. This Guy was warm and engaging; he was questioning and sharing life openly. I was almost amaze. Me, gabbing with a stranger (and that’s not me, if you know me – “What’s up” is good). It was as if the spirit of that old beat-up leather portfolio was a kindred spirit that we both loved. In really, it was. You see, although I have an old beat-up leather portfolio, the thing was not the thing. Almost instantly, this Guy stated he was a Christian (not shy about it, at all), relocating back to this cold area to assist a family member. As I learn to listen to God’s voice, I will remember this Guy and that old beat-up portfolio. Yep, that beat-up old folder was the cover for the spirit of love, mercy and grace. It opened a door for a new friend to come in! “My sheep know my voice…” John 10:27-28
p.s., Get out of your box, before you get in! Walk away from your TV, PC, Phone and/or 4 walls of your home/office for a few minutes each day. And why not, say “Hi” to someone who is passing our way? Enjoy “real life” interactions. It may be better than the best book you’ve ever owned/read. People are pretty amazing!