I got lost in time with a man named Hector

As the reality of just how much time I have left in Costa Rica starts to sink in, I've come to the conclusion that time is no man's friend. Time tricks all of us. One second we have enough time to take a moment and relax and the next we have to move at a feverish pace to finish to get to where we need to be.

That truth has never been more evident than right now for me. As I type this, I have less than a week here in Costa Rica. Over the course of this month, I've taught English to middle school kids [with a southern drawl]. I've played more games with street kids than I ever have in my life. I've learned the importance being intentional. I've learned the significance of being in the here and now. I've developed a new appreciation for what it means to be passionate.

The other day, my team and I were blessed enough to go to a local elderly home to minister to the people living there. We played games, painted finger nails, and shared our stories and listened to the beautiful life experiences the elders have lived through themselves.

Hector had only been in the home for around a month and a half, but it was clear from the start he was one of the more lively people living there. He glowed with joy. He glowed with fire burning from deep within his soul. He was just what I needed…

As Roland (my translator) and myself sat with Hector sharing stories, he kept getting closer and closer with wide eyes and an open heart. With every question about his life I asked, Hector's walls began to fall by the wayside. The more we spoke, the more he was willing to share. He shared stories of hurt. Stories of happiness. Most of all, the story of how God had always been there by his side. Through thick and thin, God was his life. And it showed.

With every thought shared about God, Hector's eyes began to swell up with tears. He embodied everything a believer should be. Passionate about God living through themselves that they can't contain the feeling from deep within. It was like most of us do when we “fall in love.” We're quick to run to our friends and family and explain why the person is so great, but when it comes to God…we're hesitant. Hector wasn't. Hector wanted to share his story. In doing so, Hector became more of a blessing to me than he'll ever know.

The more we talked, the more he shared. His story was an encouragement and something I'll remember forever. As my team got ready to leave, he wanted to make sure he shook the hands of all of us and told us all “goodbye.”

“Sometimes…your life is going to be filled with rocks. Big rocks. Little rocks. Medium rocks. You push and you push trying to get them out of the way and eventually God has to come and save you. God removes them from your way so you can see Him. You just have to ask. And when you remove the rocks…you see something funny. You see that you're standing on the biggest rock. The foundation you have in Christ.”

Choked up, I mustered out a "thank you" and walked away not knowing if I'll ever encouter Hector again or not. Even as I type this, I find myself having to say, "Be here now" and realize that time doesn't wait for any of us. We all have to make the most of every single moment God gives us..so when those moments happen, will you make the most of it or let it just become another rock in your way?