It’s easy to say in our heart, “Why doesn’t that guy get a job?” Then again, would we hire him? It might not be so easy.
God has been awake all night waiting for me to wake up and show me things. What’ll it be today? The wonder never stops. Not to mention the chance encounters.
I needed a florescent light fixture of a certain size. It was three stores before I found it, then, pulling away, stopped for gas. I wasn’t that low but remembered that station carried beef jerky in abundant supply, something I really was out of, and had been for a long time.
The stalls were full, all but one; I had to turn around. Opening my door I banged a post. Slight dent. Bummer. I looked up and found a man looking at me. In his 40s, a bit of chest tattoo showing above his shirt, a squeegee in his hand and an appeal on his face, I could see what was coming.
“I’m just out of prison and trying to earn a little . . . it’s not for drugs or drink or anything . . . I’m just washing windshields and . . . ”
That was enough. I gave him a twenty. His eyes popped.
“What’s your name?
“Richard.”
“What were you in for?” I asked, all flustered, the pump not working right. First the dent, now this.
“Narcotics, up in Fresno.”
It’s like it wasn’t accepting my card.
“Better go inside,” he said.
“I will . . . and get those wheels too.” It’s something I always do when getting gas.
The crazy thing is all I really wanted was some beef jerky. I paid at the cash register, adding in a big $15 dollar bag of jerky, and then a second. Back at the car I threw one in the window and put the other in the squeegee man’s hand. “Wow,” he said, “I love beef jerky. In prison they say they feed you well but . . . ”
“Where were you?” as if I know one correction facility from another. “San Quinton.” I know that one. I was still having trouble with that blanky-blank pump. “Here, let me try,” he said and took over, somehow making it work.
“How long have you been out?
“Two months.”
“Are you looking for work?”
“I used to do tile work, but I’ve got something in my shoulder and I can’t lift. My sister’s a nurse, says it might be a bone spur. Even for washing windshields I have to use my left arm.”
“I know what that’s like,” I said. “I’ve got a bad shoulder, though improving lately, I hope.”
“They say I can get get a cortisone shot for cheap in Tijuana, but they hurt like hell.”
“Not so bad,” I said. “I’ve had two. It’s just a regular shot, maybe it’s in a little long, and the needle itself is a little long.
“Did it help?”
“The first one didn’t but the second must have hit the right spot.”
“That’s good, I’ll tell my wife.”
By that time the tank was full, the pump stopped, then . . . and I really didn’t see this coming, I just said, “I’ll pray for you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah, right now.”
It was a brief prayer, just a sentence or two, for Richard’s shoulder and about steady work. I could have added it was for his income, for his wife, and for restoration of his confidence. But God already knows all that. I just finished with my customary, “in Jesus name, amen.”
To that he also finished, “in Jesus name.”
That was it. We shook hands and I was gone.
Later I thought, is that what this day was for? The $20 was next to nothing; he’ll go through that fast enough and I’ll never miss it. But the beef jerky, if he relishes it as slow as I do, will be lasting quite a time.
Maybe it’ll bring a good memory.
And, who knows, maybe God will answer that prayer.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
8:49 pm
I LOVE this line Hyatt “God has been awake all night waiting for me to wake up and show me things. What’ll it be today? The wonder never stops. Not to mention the chance encounters.” So, so true. Today the eggs in the dove’s nest hatched. And mama dove has already moved them away! One more nest to go.
7:01 am
Great story and a great reminder for all of us to lean in a little bit when the opportunity arises. Thanks…
9:43 am
Yes. Love it.
11:34 am
I’m ashamed to say that I don’t think my mind is fully capable of understanding just how amazing God is! He doesn’t usually work in the way we want…I want Him to just fix it, because He absolutely can. In my very limited understanding, I have at times gently and not so gently questioned; Why doesn’t He? In His infinite wisdom He uses people, more often than not, to minsister to, encourage, and help other people. He blesses those who humbly hear His call to help and He blesses those being helped.
A little off topic but not really I guess. This morning I saw a very recent picture of President Trump with head bowed in prayer as others in his Cabinet surrounded him, several of whom had hands outstretched or directly touched his back, as they prayed. It made me cry. God uses us to intercede for others, to care for others, to love one another. The Bible teaches us this in example after example and we see it time and time again in our own life, if our eyes are open. Hyatt may Our Father in Heaven continue to richly bless you as you are a blessing to others. In Jesus name. Amen
12:22 pm
Great reminder to always pay attention. You just never know when God needs you. Love the title. Wonderful
5:56 pm
Beautiful. We must always be ready to serve. Jesus said, Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least if these my brethren, you did it unto me.
7:35 pm
Sometimes encounters like this can seem so random and inconsequential and yet we never know the impact that may have occurred. And now, you are letting us in on praying for him.
8:05 pm
I love Divine appointments; they come in all varieties; hmmm, variety is the spice of a God-life! Heavenly Father, rain your love and power over Richard. May he not be satisfied with anything less than a relationship with you.
Hyatt, it is awesome that you were willing to go beyond the point of convenience, and that you love beef jerky!
7:09 am
Never heard of beef jerky before and had to google it. Learned a new thing! And, more important, was reminded to expect God to surprise me in every day life. Thank you for sharing. [Switzerland]
11:20 am
Dear Hyatt:
A couple of days ago I did some restoration work for a man I’d never met before: he had just moved into a beautiful, large, brand new estate in the country…obviously he had been very successful in his field. But, he told me, he had retired early due to an illness. In the natural, it doesn’t look great for him. After completing my work (and making sure he was happy with it), I asked if I could pray for him before I left.
Same as yours, my prayer was brief. I didn’t pray so much for healing (you are right: God knows) but that the Lord would draw him closer (we all need that!). No “sinner’s prayer”…just a “more of You” prayer, trusting God to take it from there in the way He sees fit. I believe the Lord hears those prayers of ours, and according to I John 5.14 & 15, if He hears, He answers!
9:08 pm
I’m sure while making it through that big bag of beef jerky God was speaking to him through remembering the encounter with you and the prayer you prayed over him. I love it when God plans these encounters and trusts that we will pause and take the time.