I woke up this morning just like any other travel day, dreading being on a moving vehicle for hours on end. I packed up my 52 lb. pack and headed for the door. After long goodbyes and some tears we loaded up on a double decker bus from San Felix to Panama City.
As I approached the bus a man asked me what my team was doing in Panama. I gave him a short answer and a wave and loaded up without a second thought. It seems that though I didn’t have plans for the day, God did and I am so glad He included me in them.
It turns out that that very same man that approached me before I got on the bus was already sitting in the seat in front of and across from me, perfect for chatting. Even though he didn’t know English and I only know limited Spanish we managed to carry on a conversation for a few hours. I discovered that him and his family are medical missionaries to the Indian reservation in the north of Panama. I told him about Moises and even got to start sharing some signs with him. Needless to say it was a pretty entertaining morning.
After about two hours of chatting we fell back into our own seats and I quietly began reading. I thought about putting my headphones in but something in me said to keep them in my bag, so I did. Two minutes into my book I see him pull out a V8 and stare at it and then he turns and hands it to me. He said, “For you, enjoy.” I asked him why and his response was so simple, he said, “God told me to.”
God told him to hand me a V8… simple but it really did touch my heart. A few minutes later upon arriving in Santiago everyone had to get off of the bus. So naturally, I huddled with my team at a table thinking nothing of it, waiting for the chance to reload the bus and looking forward to moving as little as possible.
Moments later I see my new friend approaching our table with something in his hand. Opening his palm I see a beautiful bracelet with the words “I Love Jesus” printed across the top, he hands it to me with a smile on his face. Looking at his wrist I see the same one in black.. friendship bracelets??? Just kidding. (But kinda).
Again, I was so touched by this gesture that I teared up. He motions to me and I follow towards where his family is eating and he introduces me. He proceeds to tell his whole family about what our team is doing and how amazing it is. After a short conversation I turn away and turn on my wifi, but it still didn’t feel right.
Not two minutes pass and he, again, calls me over to his table… he got me lunch, with a juice box I might add. I sat next to his five year old grandson, we goofed around and headed back to the bus shortly after.
We sat in silence again for a few minutes, this time I did seriously consider putting my headphones in but after praying about it, decided not to. Not ten minutes later my new friend pulled out his phone and started showing me photos of his entire family, telling me stories as he scrolled.
Today was slowly becoming a perfect day, and God still wasn’t done handing me precious gift after precious gift. Hours of chatting, laughing and sharing stories filled my day, like I said it was pretty much perfect.
With about an hour left in our journey the woman sitting next to me began engaging in conversation, again no English and my limited Spanish. We soon became acquainted and chatted about the view and different places she has lived.
She got up to take a short walk around the bus and when she came back she complained about a pain in her knee. After asking if I could pray for her she moved her bag and closed her eyes with a grin on her lips. After that came nothing, for a while… we all three continued chatting and said our goodbyes when the bus stopped.
My friend gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, I said goodbye to his wife, daughter and grandson, grabbed my pack and turned to leave.
And then this happened… admittedly I didn’t see it coming at all and it changed me just a little bit more.
The woman who was sitting next to me, the one I prayed for, walked up to me and said, “Praise God, there is no pain in my knee!” She gave me a hug and blessed me and left without another word.
Oh my gosh… what the heck happened today?
By keeping my headphones in my bag and asking God what He wanted me to do my day became one that I will always remember. I hope that days like today become regular, not just on my race but for my life… for the rest of my life. Days like today should be my life. Can I emphasize that again?
Today I caught a glimpse at what my life could be like if I simply asked God to show me where He wants me to be. I don’t really know what changed that made today the day that God handed me all of these gifts but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
Today God showed me what it means to care for others unconditionally. My friend cared for me without cause and expecting nothing in return. He may never know it but He was used by God in my life.
God clearly has more for me everyday… I am ready for anything He may have. That is a scary statement, scary, huge and so incredibly undefined, but here I am Lord. Maybe naive, but ready.
