So I meet a lot of people on the World Race. It’s just what happens. But every so often I meet someone who leaves a slightly bigger impact in my life who I know I will never forget.
On this specific day, at this specific time she was a blessing to me from God.
She approached us where we were sitting on the grass in the park and enjoying our picnic dinner which consisted of PBJ or tuna fish sandwiches, baby carrots, crackers, and Oreos. I had no idea who she was but a few of the team members had met her here a couple days before. As they started in on polite conversation she sat on the bench near us and delightfully accepted an Oreo. I didn’t pay too much attention to the conversation but after we finished eating and everyone else was already playing on the playground she asked me and Elizabeth if we would pray for her and bless her. Since we aren’t really ones to turn down that type of request we gladly sat down on the bench and began praying for her. I could sense her warm heart and lively spirit beneath the wrinkles and soft eyes. After we prayed she never let go of our hands. We sat there, her small frail hand in mine as I listened to her talk about how happy she was to see us, how much she loves Christmas, about her big family, and how when she has enough money she’s going to take us to her home in some other country. She spoke English well but had slower speech that made her seem older than she really was. Only 65 but I would have easily pinned an extra 10 years on her. After some time she invited us all to her home to meet her daughter so, we went.
Inside the home the three little boys ran around excited by our company and we were kindly served juice and snacks. Then she asked me to play piano. Buried beneath papers and clothing it longed to be played. I tried to explain that I don’t play piano and someone else could play it much better but she insisted. (I found it funny because that very day I had begun teaching myself piano on the keyboard at church.) So I played what I could of Joy to the World. After hearing me play, my teammates didn’t mind showing off their piano skills as well. After that she suggested we sing, so we sang This is the Day. As she clapped along and swayed to the tune I could see her spirit swelling up insider her.
She later told us she had been in two accidents that caused her to get hip surgery and was now always in a lot of pain. Naturally, we decided to pray over her for healing, to be pain free. As she sat there on the floor, we laid our hands on her and I began praying health and strength over her. Once we were through we asked her to stand and tell us how she felt. She danced! She just stood up and began dancing, for longer than I would have expected. Just as I made up my mind to join her because she was still dancing, she said she was already feeling better. Praise God! This woman had spunk about her no doubt, a fire inside her. Even as we posed for a family photo she flashed the Asian peace sign along with her beautiful smile. This reminded me of my Nana a bit.
Some people are just worth talking a little bit more about, this woman in particular, because to me on this specific day at this specific time she represented the sweetness of God. A year ago today my Nana went to be with the Lord. Full of thoughts of her and missing her dearly I went about my day. During a picnic at the park this woman walked into my life and gave me a hand to hold. Just like I know my Nana did for so many others during her time here on Earth.
The sweetness of God, the things He does that are unexpected or beyond what I could ask or even think to ask for. He knew exactly what would touch my heart and lift my spirits that day. This woman kindly asked for a blessing but she doesn’t even know how much more she has blessed me.
