I pray this article finds you well and bestows blessings upon you! On a recent day off, the Lord granted me a special blessing and allowed me to observe one rocking evangelist lighting up the atmosphere with Jesus at a Tim Hortons in Wyandotte. Here’s the story…
So I had slipped into a Tim Horton’s with my bible and was tucked away sipping on some coffee with my nose buried in the scriptures. While I didn’t see the people filing in (I was focused elsewhere), I was aware that a large group of students with some teachers had assembled at a table across from me. There were about 10 or so students with some teachers I reckon. There was Christian Music playing over the speakers at the coffee shop (go Tim Horton’s!) and suddenly, from the group, one voice loudly (but not shouting), and with authentic joy exclaimed “Oh my God, they’re playing really good Christian music!” This joyful voice spoke loud enough for everyone to hear and something about the way she said it (it was Spirit-imbued I’m convinced) sent a wave of God’s love through the place. I couldn’t help but smile when I heard her! I didn’t want to look over and start gawking and was also enjoying the scriptures so just smiled and kept on digging in the word looking for the precious gold of God’s Word speaking directly to my heart.
As I was reading, I couldn’t help but hear this young woman’s voice again (I’d say she was about 15) at the table talking about an upcoming talent show at the school. She celebrated (not arrogantly, but again, with an authentic joy) how her attempt to sing “Joy to the World” had gone in last year’s show. Now really, I’m not into eavesdropping, and this gal’s voice was a little loud (thank God!) and so I couldn’t help but follow along…and almost fell over when I heard her say: “I don’t need to practice for this year’s show because I already know what I’m singing.” To which someone said “what are you singing?” Her response: “I’m singing Joy to the World again!” As she said this, again, a huge smile hit me as I thought of this gal singing out at school: “Joy to the World…the Lord has come!” Her voice was not annoying, but loud enough for all to hear in the café (it’s a small place). I marveled at this kid filled with Jesus and when her party stood up to leave I couldn’t help but look her way. To my surprise, I noticed that she was physically blind.
As I watched this young lady leave the Tim Hortons, I was amazed. The girl was flat out for Jesus and ready to rejoice in His goodness where and when she encountered Him. Awareness of God is the primary grace that is needed for communion with God. Prayer is union with God and when we pray we enter into intimate communion with The Father, Son & Holy Spirit who loves us infinitely. We also are given the invitation to encounter God throughout the day, to rejoice and marvel at all the little “hello’s” and “I love you” that God sends our way. Let’s take the time to encounter God daily this week in all His amazing love for us, keep our hearts open to divine providence throughout the days, and be looking to share God’s love with all this week through authentic and selfless joy that proclaims:
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Father Patrick