I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. (2 John 5-6)
Dee and I enjoyed 6 days in Northern California on our honeymoon. We enjoyed the breathtaking views of Monterey, Sausalito, and San Francisco. We were awed by the beauty of Napa Valley, shopped until we dropped in Carmel, and wined and dined each day like we never had before.
But amazingly the most powerful moment of our journey did not take place on the Pacific Coast Highway, “17 Mile Drive,” or Golden Gate Bridge. It occurred near the end of our trip as we made our way back to the San Francisco airport. As we drove through the streets of San Francisco, we encountered a beggar at four consecutive lights. With each passing encounter, my heart was moved more and more. One beggar held a sign that read “Even a Smile Helps.” Another held a sign that read “God Bless You.”
However, it was our encounter with the fourth beggar that pierced my soul. As we sat at the red light, he held his face down, and appeared to be deep in thought or prayer. I began to pray for him, and asked the Lord to touch him and comfort him. I asked the Lord to do the same for each of the 3 beggars we had just whisked by. Seconds later the man lifted his head and with his eyes fixed on mine, I could read his lips as he said “Thank You. God Bless.” I can’t explain it, but it was as if he knew that I had just prayed for him and each person on that street. He conveyed that loud and clear as he stared straight through my eyes, into my heart, and into my soul.
I thought I was losing my mind for a moment, but Dee confirmed exactly what I just saw. It made me realize that if “Even a Smile Helps” a prayer can help a whole lot more.